On 8 July we heard from Stewart Graham, head of fundraising at St Gemma’s Hospice for the past two years, who gave us an update on the vital work St Gemma’s is doing in providing end of life care for the terminally ill.
Stewart reminded us of the words of Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement. You matter because you are you; and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.
St Gemma’s hospice, at Moortown corner, was founded on the site of a Catholic Secondary School in 1978 and has been supported by local people ever since. It caters for the east side of Leeds, stretching out to Wetherby, Tadcaster and Rothwell. Wheatfields, run by the Sue Ryder foundation, covers the west of the city.
The Rotary Club of Roundhay has been a staunch supporter of St Gemma’s over the years. Most recently we were able to donate £1,000 for the Precious Time Appeal, a scheme whereby donations received over 36 hours in April were doubled thanks to a pool of matching funds provided by major donors. Stewart told us that this raised £287,000.
St Gemma’s needs about £14m a year to provide its services. One third comes from the NHS, one third comes from St Gemma’s network of 26 charity shops, and the final third comes from fundraising events.
Stewart outlined the work of the hospice. The site at Moortown provides in-patient care with 22 beds in two wards. Each patient has their own room, with access to a beautiful garden outside.
Criteria for referral are a life limiting illness, and a prognosis of 3-4 years life remaining. Some patients may die within a couple of days, others will stay for weeks. St Gemma’s is not necessarily the end of the line for patients, some may be there for pain relief, symptom management, and respite care for their families. A lot of people can be in and out for a couple of years.
St Gemma’s gets about 1400 new patients a year. Some 70% of the work is out in the community, helping families, and supporting people wanting to die in their own homes whenever possible. St Gemma’s workers arrange for people to meet others in the same situation, which can be a valuable emotional support. There is a team of social workers, therapists, and spiritual care workers to provide additional support, to the patient and wider family. Support of the family can continue after death to provide bereavement counselling, including specialist support for children.
A new development has been a dedicated service for palliative care for homeless and vulnerably housed people – a group who struggle to access medical services. The patient can be helped to find accommodation in a hostel, or sometimes be reunited with family who have lost contact.
Stewart assured us that although there were moments of sadness, he was fulfilled by seeing deep love, and a lot of happiness and laughter. An occupational hazard of his job seems to be eating cake: there are a lot of celebrations, with patients clinging on for important family events, even their own weddings as the important things of life come sharply into focus.
Past President and retired GP Gurminder Singh commented that St Jemma’s was a very helpful resource for GPs, who received little training on end of life care. Stewart told us that a professor of palliative care at the University of Leeds now works with St Gemma’s academic unit, delivering end of life communication skills to health professionals.
In thanking Stewart for his talk, Past President Roger Cannon remarked that St Gemma’s has a special place in the hearts of the people of Leeds. It wouldn’t be the same if it was entirely funded by the NHS. We’ve had links for many years, and will continue with our support.