Two Derbyshire charities are joining forces to extend Hospice at Home services to more patients across the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire.
Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, based in Chapel-en-le-Frith and Bakewell respectively, have been discussing their organisational compatibility for over 12 months, and this formal partnership – officially launched today, 7th of September 2020 – is the natural progression of the special relationship.
The charities have been working closely together since April throughout lockdown, delivering over 1,800 hours of care to patients across the Dales and North East Derbyshire[1], in addition to those in the High Peak, who have life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and motor neurone disease.
After receiving 120 patient referrals from April to August 2020, 75 patients died in the comfort of their own home with their loved ones by their side – achieving a 100% outcome for the patient’s preferred place of death.
The need for this fundamental care in patient’s homes has never been clearer. A survey found that 82% of people wanted to die at home, but 50% of us die in hospital. Other research found that hospices could help reduce hospital deaths by 50,000 every year, generating £80m of savings for the NHS[2].
Tim Mourne, chairman of the Blythe House Hospicecare board of trustees, said: ‘Over the last year, it has become more and more apparent that Blythe House and Helen’s Trust would be stronger together; ensuring better value from joint resources, and most importantly, reaching more local people who need us.
‘I am delighted to announce that Janet Dunphy, chief executive at Blythe House Hospicecare, has officially taken on the management of both charities, following the retirement of the former Helen’s Trust CEO earlier this year, and she will continue to lead the merged organisation.
‘The board of trustees at both charities have been merged, to support the exciting new partnership and its future development, bringing together local industry professionals with a wealth of knowledge and skills.’
Dr Louise Jordan, founding trustee of Helen’s Trust, added: ‘Blythe House and Helen’s Trust are both strong and aspiring local charities whose shared vision is to support more and more people, to have the choice to stay and die in their own home. Working together accomplishes this and provides a very high standard of care.
‘As a board, we are so incredibly glad that over the last year we have forged such strong links with Blythe House who share the same purpose and values. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us like a tornado but a clear sentiment between the two charities is that together, we are stronger.’
Janet Dunphy, CEO at Blythe House Hospicecare, has over 35 years’ experience as an end of life care specialist. She commented: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to oversee this incredibly exciting partnership, to ensure that everyone in our local community can receive the best Hospice at Home care.’
Blythe House’s Hospice at Home service launched in 2016 and since then, has delivered over 48,000 hours of day and night-time care in the comfort of patient’s homes across the High Peak.
Referral processes for both charity’s services will remain the same and can be made by:
- Calling 01298 813007 or 01298 811770 for Blythe House
- Calling 07780 331715 for Helen’s Trust
To find out more visit: www.blythehousehospice.org.uk
[1] In towns and villages (A-Z): Alfreton, Bakewell, Baslow, Birchover, Bolsover, Calver , Chesterfield, Curbar, Dronfield, Eckington, Killarmarsh, Mansfield, Matlock , Mosborough, Rowsley, Sheffield, Shirebrook, Tideswell
[2] All statistics: https://www.hospiceuk.org/about-hospice-care/media-centre/facts-and-figures