Entitled, ‘The Extra Mile,’ the film shows the day-to-day work that goes on at the hospice but also the special moments which help to make a difference to the lives of its patients and those close to them.
Its launch coincides with this year’s World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, which will be recognised across the globe tomorrow (Saturday 12 October.)
The theme for the day of international celebration echoes that of the film; to dispel the myths surrounding hospice care and improve negative perceptions about palliative care.
Speaking about the new film, hospice director, Dr Ros Taylor, said: “There is still some misconception about what goes on in hospices and we wanted to use the medium of film to portray a snapshot of how we care for our patients at The Hospice of St Francis.
“Yes, we care for some very sick patients but amongst this there are some extremely moving moments where we do our utmost to respond to individual patient’s wishes and put them at their ease.
“The film shows our daily patient nursing care and clinical meetings alongside services we offer which may surprise the community. For example, we hold monthly pony days for children who’ve experienced loss, we have a Storyteller’s Chair for families’ use, we offer complementary therapy for patients and carers and we have a range of amazing classes and groups in our new Spring Centre for those people trying to get on with life, alongside an illness.
“In fact, it’s impossible to show the breadth of what we do in a short film but I am absolutely delighted with the result which I think encapsulates what we are about at The Hospice of St Francis.”
You can view the Hospice of St Francis film on Vimeo.
The film was directed by award-winning director, David Wachs, and funded by a generous donor from Harpenden whose husband was cared for by the hospice.
David added: “It has been a privilege to work with The Hospice of St Francis to create this emotional film. Since my first visit to the hospice, I have been amazed at the care I’ve witnessed and hope this film goes some way to opening the eyes of others to the service the charity provides to those who need it.”
Thousands of people from over 70 countries around the globe will be taking part in events to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day tomorrow (12 October). You can still register your own event on the World Hospice and Palliative Care website or get involved by downloading information and resources.
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