The Hospice is a new series focusing on the lives of the patients cared for by ellenor, a hospice in Kent. Viewers will see the care provided to patients of all ages by the staff and volunteers by following the deeply personal stories of the adults and children who receive end of life care both in their own homes, and at the hospice’s inpatient ward.
The show also highlights the inspirational way staff and volunteers support patients and their families, creating a warm, happy environment, enabling them to have precious time together.
Over the course of 13 hour-long episodes, viewers will meet patients like Jill, 60, who has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Thanks to the support of ellenor staff, Jill’s time in the hospice begins with palliative care to give her the relief she needs. In one episode she says:
“I knew as soon as I got diagnosed that this was the place I wanted to be. But it is not a service you tend to think about, until you actually need it.”
Another patient is two-year-old Harriet, who suffers from a heart condition and comes in for regular check-ups. The specialist facilities available in the Fun Club enable her to have respite care and play together with her twin sister and brother in a safe environment.
The show has been commissioned by Together, who are partnering with Hospice UK and children’s palliative care charity Together For Short Lives for the series to highlight the need for support for hospices across the UK, encouraging viewers to raise awareness of their vital work during Dying Matters Week and Children’s Hospice Week, along with ongoing calls to action throughout June and July.
Commenting on the programme, Claire Cardy, Chief Executive of ellenor said:
“This documentary reminds me why I am so proud of the work that goes on at ellenor, every day, by our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. While encountering new and unique challenges they never fail to deliver an exceptional standard of care to patients and their families. I am confident that this documentary will introduce ellenor to new and varied communities who will be pleased to know that ellenor is always at hand to help them”.
Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, said:
“The Hospice offers some illuminating insights into the incredible care provided by charitable hospices and the diverse range of services they provide for people with life-limiting conditions of all ages, and also their families. We hope this series will inspire more people to support their local hospice in different ways. It is thanks to the generosity of people from local communities, who give donations or their time by volunteering that enables hospices to provide their services. We are delighted to be partnering on this groundbreaking series and encouraging the public to learn more about the vital role of hospices in providing care, and to support them and get involved in their work.”
Barbara Gelb OBE, CEO of Together for Short Lives, added:
“Public perceptions of children’s palliative care often focus on end of life care, and sadly too many people think that children’s hospices are dark and gloomy places for the dying. This perception could not be further from the truth. The Hospice helps to shine a light on the lifeline work of ellenor, and of children’s hospices all over the UK, showing they are full of colour, love and joy. Vitally, it highlights their dedicated care for seriously ill children and families – for the whole of a child’s life, from diagnosis to the end of life, and in bereavement. I hope you will join me in supporting Children’s Hospice Week this May, to celebrate children’s hospices’ remarkable support – helping children and families to make every precious moment count.”
The series premieres on Tuesday May 8 at 10pm on FreeviewHD 93, Sky 159, Virgin Media 269, and Freesat 164.
For more information visit Together
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