Press Release
Minister Ritchie Visits Southern Area Hospice Services
MLA for South Down Margaret Ritchie this week visited St John’s House in Newry, the main resource centre for Southern Area Hospice Services, to see at first hand the facilities and vital role it plays in the local community.
Mrs Anne Cooney, Administrative Director of SAHS said, “We are delighted to welcome Minister Ritchie here today. It is a very important part of our strategy going forward to ensure that key decision makers are aware of the work that goes on here at Southern Area Hospice and to show how important these facilities are to the local community.”
 
The visit which included a tour of the facilities and an overview of the work which goes on at the centre enabled the Minister to get an understanding of the invaluable services Southern Area Hospice (SAHS) offers to people in the Southern Health Board region. During the visit different members of staff and volunteers, who explained their role and the department that they work in such as Day care, inpatients, administrative and fundraising, greeted Margaret Ritchie.
Margaret Ritchie stated, “I am delighted to visit Southern Area Hospice Services which provides such essential services to my own constituents and indeed people right across the southern board region who are living with cancer and terminal illnesses.”
The Minister’s visit coincides with the launch of the Southern Area Hospice Services 2008-2013 Strategy Document in which the plans for the service going forward are outlined. The strategy includes plans to increase the range of services available to patients at outreach centres and in the wider community.
In the Hospice Chairman George Duffy’s speech, it was emphasised how vital the fundraising department, support and generosity of the local community and help of volunteers is to help in the operation of the Southern Area Hospice Services. We are indebted to our 240 volunteers, which include shop volunteers, who help in so many wonderful ways. George Duffy stated:
“As Southern Area Hospice Services only receives a small percentage of funds from the government, we rely essentially on the generosity of the local community to raise the £1.8 million that we need to run the Hospice each year. In order to meet targets the fundraising team works across a number of campaigns, to maintain a consistent level of income generation. We are restricted to developing our services, as we rely heavily on the amount of income that is fundraised, so we aim to allocate finances to the best efficient way possible.”
George Duffy continued to state:
“With wonderful help of people like John Dalzell MBE and his Christmas Sit-out team for the past 16 years and the help of Bessie Chambers MBE who is a member of Mourne Support Group, which has been running for 20 years, they have raised vital funds for the hospice and have encouraged other people to help too!!”
After the tour, meeting staff and listening to the speeches in the Boardroom, Margaret Ritchie stated:
“I would like to commend the work of each and every person who makes that happen from the medical staff to the fundraisers, support staff and volunteers.I would like to wish you every continued success in 2008.”
“I would like to think that we in the Executive could help in some way. Obviously, it is not a ministerial responsibility, but I have an interest here as I have a lot of constituents from South Down who are provided with care and facilities by the Hospice. Anything I can possibly do for the Hospice I would be happy to do. I will not forget my visit here and will be more than happy to assist in any way"
Press Release
DR MORRIS, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, INTERVIEW
Once palliative care was undervalued as it was an unfamiliar concept. Now more medical practitioners are coming on stream to expose the values of holistic care. Recently in an interview with the Newry Reporter, the Southern Area Hospice Services Director Dr Osmond Morris shared his views on the Sean of Change in the Medical attitudes. The words "Dignity in Caring" hover across the cross as you enter the Southern Area Hospice Services, Courtenay Hill Headquarters, a symbol of the services' founder Sister Teresa Byrne. Few could have thought Sister Teresa and Dame Cecily Saunders' concept for holistic care would have had such an impact on the attitudes of doctors towards the care of those with terminal illness.
In its early beginnings, it was a lifetime for those battling with cancer and life-threatening illnesses when palliative care was under appreciated by doctors, as it was an unfamiliar concept. Now the Hospice has developed a benchmark for palliative care, highly regarded medically as a holistic service providing specialist care to patients with cancer, motor neurone disease, MS and Aids. Under the leadership of Medical Director, DR Osmond Morris, a team of trained doctors, nurses, pysiotherapists and volunteers provide a holistic approach to care, responding to the pysical, pyschological and spiritual needs of the patients, their relatives and carers. With this approach in mind doctors have slowly become in sync with the benefits of the service, referring hundreds of patients to the hospice each year. DR Morris said he was driven to work in a once under-appreciated field following fears doctors were not trained to deal with the patient in their entireity.
"My background is in general medicine in England where there is a gap for small local hospice in the NHS. When I went on ward rounds and was told there were six patients dying in the corner I felt very inadequate and felt doctors were not trained in the complex needs of the patient and their families. Cancer patients were suffering in pain and discomfort. At a time the nursing profession knew a patient's needs but the medical profession were not in sync".
DR Morris took inspiration from the larger palliative care units in England including St Christopher's to implement a high quality modern day palliative care that extends beyond the Hospice into the community and the Hospital Services. Taking guidance from Dame Cecily Saunders who worked as a Social Worker and then a doctor, a holistic service of palliative care was launched in 1989. Today the Hospice is caring for more patients than ever in its 12-bed inpatient department, outpatient clinics, through the home service and physiotherapy unit. Dr Morris explains:
"The Hospice is very much a team effort between the doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians and physiotherapists to get the best results for our patients. The challenge was to develop a concept that wasn't appreciated at that time. It is nice to see holistic care incorporated in the NHS in the past ten years. Now our work extends to Craigavon Area Hospital where we provide palliative care to patients on wards, as well as cancer clients, outpatients clinics and Daisy Hill Hospital".
"The medical profession is now much more aware of the different needs of the patient. More doctors are referring patients to us because they are aware of the needs at an earlier stage. In the early days we were viewed as crisis management. Most people think they are referred to the Hospice they are coming to die. Only one third of patients die, alot of patients have their problems sorted and are able to go home".
"The biggest change within the Hospice is that it used to be terminal care for people with life-limiting illness. It was perceived in the last couple hours we rushed in on a white horse and sorted things out for them. But some patients who came with a couple of hours to live have gone on to live for years and lead active lives".
"There is now a much broader spectrum of care as we move into dealing with non-magignant diseases such as end stage renal failure. Because we are a small unit we can bring in patients and stabilise them. Our continuity of care from the Hospice to the Home means a patient is in excellent hands at the Southern Area Hospice Services".
Press Release
When is a Hospice not a Hospice?
Relief, comfort and compassion describe Southern Area Hospice Services. Recently Heather Simpson, Newry Reporter journalist interviewed one of the Hospice’s Community Liaison Sisters, Cecilia Markey about the house on the hill at the forefront of palliative care.
The word Hospice is a term that resonates in everyone’s mind. It evokes notions of terminal illness and death, however, Southern Area Hospice Services debunks that myth. St.John’s House does not feel like the sterile, clinical NHS Hospitals. The aroma of freshly cooked food replaces the heady smell of disinfectant and cleaning products. Patients accessorised with drips of drugs are not crammed into the wards and the facility does not buzz with the continuous chatter so frequent in hospitals. St John’s feels more like a home that a Hospice. In fact there is nothing clinical about this space. The 12 individual bedrooms are bright and spacious, scattered with patient’s personal effects to make their stay feel less clinical. The Day Hospice where patients come to socialise, indulge in alternative therapies and while away the hours laughing and joking provides a relaxed atmosphere.
Opened in 1989, the Hospice is the brainchild of Sister Theresa Byrne and Dame Cecilia Saunders. Seeing the need to provide medical care and motional support the Hospice embarked on a palliative care plan that extends from the Hospice to the Home. Since then thousands of patients have been cared for in the expert hands of the Hospice’s team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers and support staff.
Community Liaison Sister Cecilia Markey has seen the facility thrive into a platform for palliative care in the Southern Health Board Area:
“I was the first ward sister when the Hospice opened and we only served people with life-threatening diseases. There was a perception people would come here to die and patients would often joke they did not want to come here because they feared they would never come out”.
Sr Markey continued to state:
“People who are at the end of their lives still come to us but the Hospice has become more acute. As well as caring for patients with Motor Neurone Disease, MS, Cancer and AIDS, we also do blood transfusions, deal with non-malignant disease and end stage renal failure”.
Sister Markey said one of the hospice’s greatest assets has been the introduction of the Day Hospice. Describing the facility as an “oasis of calm” for patients and families alike, it responds to the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of each person. Sister Markey stated:
“I started running the Day Hospice in 1999 with just a few patients two days a week, however due to a demand we added a third and then a fourth day. Unlike the big wards in Hospital’s the Day Hospice is a quiet, oasis of calm. On arrival, each patient will have a consultation with the Day Hospice Sister. If required a patients blood will be checked and other necessary tests carried out.”
“On Monday we run a clinic in the Day centre where patients can access a doctor if they want to talk about their medication without going into the inpatient unit. Patients can also be referred to a physiotherapist or social worker talk about their illness.”
“All this would not be possible without our volunteers who so generously give us their time offering everything from reflexology, beauty and hair treatments and alterative therapies. We have music and entertainment, beauty therapy, aromatherapy as well as hairdressing to ensure everyone gets the most out of their day”
Sister Markey said the facility-enabled patients to recharge their batteries in an atmosphere devoid of medical paraphernalia. It is a safe oasis, if the patients are feeling low they can chat to each other to discuss their experiences. Even when patients leave the Hospice they miss the social interaction of the day centre. One lady patient said she missed it so much that she has come back frequently to visit it.
Caring for someone 24/7 and is very stressful. A lot of patients worry about how their illness will affect their family, so they come in and reduce the pressure on their family and friends. We have a patient who comes in every six weeks for a short break so their family can get some much-needed respite. Although many medical practitioners believe in a patient centred approach, the Hospice ethos is to treat the family as well as the patient. Sister Markey stated:
“If I had a family member or friend who became ill, I would be glad for them to come here. My job is to provide effective patient centred admissions to Hospice and effective discharge planning of patients from Hospice to home, thus providing a seamless continuity of care. I closely work with the patients, their families and carers as well as hospital consultants, GPs, district nurses and Macmillan nurses to organise respite care”
She said: “Palliative care is a real success story for the Hospice and is proven to work. Unlike many large NHS hospitals, which are extremely busy, we have time to talk to our patients and their families and often we get quite attached to them. We still get patients, whom we have known for years, ringing us for advice because they had a good experience with us. I am very enthusiastic about my job and enjoy looking after the patients and families that come through the doors. I keep saying every year I am going to retire but I will never leave this place”.
Press Release
MBE Honour for Hospice Fundraiser
The dedicated efforts of a founding member of the Mourne Hospice Support Group have been recognised in the New Years Honour List. Bessie Chambers from Annalong has been awarded an MBE in the honours. Mrs Chambers was one of the six women from the Mourne area who got together back in 1986 to raise awareness and funds for Hospice services in Northern Ireland. The Mourne Hospice Support Group actually predates the establishment of the Hospice in Newry, which is now known as Southern Area Hospice Services.
Originally the group raised funds for Hospice services generally and in 1989, when Newry Hospice opened, the group channelled its energies into raising funds for it. The group has raised an extraordinary amount of money in two decades. In the past two years alone it has raised around £100,000 for the Hospice.
Fittingly Mrs Chamber’s MBE was announced in final few days of 2007, the year when the Mourne Group celebrated its 21st anniversary. She has been a constant presence during all those years and although she stepped down as chairperson last year, remains actively involved in its fundraising work.
The current chairperson of the Mourne Hospice Support Group Mrs Maureen Scott said
“The award was a fitting tribute to Bessie Chambers’ dedication. Bessie has always been there and she is still there and she is a very special lady from our point of view. On behalf of the group I should like to offer her our best wishes and congratulations”.
Mrs Chambers said she was delighted by news of her MBE, adding it was an unexpected honour. “It definitely did come as a huge surprise. It never crossed my mind”. She said raising money had been a more difficult task in the early days of the group because there was less awareness of the services provided by Hospices.
Very few families in the area have not been personally touched by the magnificent support provided by the Newry based Hospice. Mrs chambers paid tribute to the generous public response to the Mourne groups fundraising ventures.
The Annalong woman was keen to stress that the success of the Mourne group was based on teamwork and said she hoped her MBE would reflect the collective work of everyone involved. She stated:
“It is both an honour and a privilege to be awarded the MBE. Although I am the person who has been given an award at this time, I’m only one of a team of people who have given time and energy to support the Southern Area Hospice. The Hospice need ongoing support and I hope local people will continue to provide this in the future”.
Majella Gollogly, Fundraising Manager at Southern Area Hospice Services said, “Bessie is a founder member of Southern Area Hospice Mourne Support Group and until this year she was chairperson of the group, she recently retired from this post but still plays an active part in the group. The Mourne Support Group is one of the Hospice’s longest support groups. They have been in existence for over 20 years and have raised thousands and thousands of pounds for the Hospice. We are delighted with this award for Bessie and congratulate her on this tremendous achievement”.
As well as fundraising for the Hospice, Mrs Chambers has been collecting for the annual Poppy Appeal for many years and is actively involved in the life of her local Church, Annalong Presbyterian, where she was one of the founder members of its PWA.
Press Release
BT STAFF COMPLETE NEWRY CARES CHALLENGE
Hardworking BT satff completed a Business in the Community Cares Challenges at the Southern Area Hospice in Newry on Friday September 14th. Fifteen members of BT's HR team travelled from both Belfast and Dublin to the Hospice to carry out improvements such as painting and maintaining garden furniture. In addition to the pysical labour, a special donation of £1,000 was also made by the BT HR team, who had fundraised in support of the Hospice. Olivia Husemeyer, Head of HR Projects at BT, explained:
"Our staff responded magnificently to our appeal on behalf of Southern Area Hospice Services. The BT Team had innovative fundraising ideas like a BT Beauticians Day and one member of the team even played the role of the BT car parking attendent to raise funds for the Hospice. As well as carrying out the maintence projects at the Hospice, our team brought cookies and cakes for staff and residents and provided clothes and books to be sold in the Hospice Charity Shops. We had a wonderful time at the Hospice and hope our efforts make a real difference to those who make use of the facility".
Martin Howell, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Business in the Community Nothern Ireland, commented:
"In the past, employers might have organised teambuilding days for their staff which may, for example have been leisure activities. More and more employers now look for challenges which added value that help develop people while leaving lasting impacts on the community. Hats off to all the staff involved. BT has shown real leadership and committment to developing their staff while making a positive community impact".
BT Staff were able to meet DR Laurence Dorman and hear about the services the Hospice provides from the medical perspective. They presented their fundraising money and cards for the patients to Beth Ross, Community Liaison Sister. Rosemary Gartland, Volunteer Co-ordinator stated:
"On behalf of the Hospice, I would like to thank the BT staff for volunteering to help the Hospice for the day. It made a tremendous difference to the garden Furniture that will be deeply appreciated by Hospice Staff and patients. It was wonderful to meet the BT group and we are grateful for their hard efforts and dedication".
Press Release
May 2007
Hospice pilots new “Awareness Programme” for
Schools with St Colman’s College
Several students from St Colman’s College Newry have just completed a Hospice Awareness Programme. This programme was “pilot programme” between the Southern Area Hospice and St Colman’s College Newry. As part of the course the students attended the Hospice for 3 workshops - where they were given the opportunity to meet with staff and observe the facilities and services of the Hospice. The students completed their project with a presentation on what they had learnt and on the issues surrounding Hospice care. Topics covered included,
- The Southern Area Hospice Strategy for the Future,
- An examination of the Services on Offer ,
- The role of the Community Liaison Sister,
- The Importance of Volunteering,
- Personnel and Training Opportunities in the Hospice,
- Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care
- Social Work Services and Bereavement Support
On successful completion of the course each of the students were presented with certificates. Speaking after the presentation Dr Brown, President of the College stated, “I am delighted with this new link with the Southern Area Hospice the boys have benefited greatly from this very positive and enriching experience” he continued “ I know that meeting the staff of the Hospice and learning about their work has impacted greatly on the boys this is something they will carry this with them as they take up third level education” Student Ciaran Murtagh - Senior Prefect said “ Before visiting the Hospice I knew very little about the work of the Hospice, this programme has made me realise the tremendous work the Hospice and it’s staff do for the community”. Mrs Carmel Campbell Nursing Director from the Hospice congratulated all the staff and boys who participated in the programme before presenting each of them with a certificate. If you or your school would like further information on this programme please contact Majella on 028 30251333 or alternatively
email golloglym@southernareahospiceservices.org
Press Release
1st December 2006
New Entrance At Southern Area Hospice Officially Opened
Southern Area Hospice patients, visitors and staff on 1st of December welcomed the official opening of the new conservatory and front hall refurbishment at St.John's House in Newry.
The decision to carry out renovation work followed responses from two independent surveys by Southern Health and Social Services Council and the second as part of an audit looking at the Hospice's compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act. Both of these concluded that the existing entrance to the Hospice was not user friendly and did not fit with the warm and bright appearance of the rest of the building.
 
Mrs Ann Cooney, Administrative Director of the Southern Area Hospice talks about the changes,
"We wanted to address the issues arising from the surveys as it is important for relatives and patients to get a positive image of the Hospice from the moment they arrive to put them at ease. Following a successful grant application to Newry & Mourne Local Strategy Partnership (Peace II) and the work commenced early this year".
Mrs Cooney Continued to state:
"The now completed reception area includes a waiting area and small conservatory at the front of the building, which makes great use of the natural lights and brightens the whole area. We have also installed electronic doors at the front of the building to comply with disability regulations. Visitors, staff and patients have all commented on the fantastic difference this makes to the atmosphere in the front hall area".
"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this building work. We would like to especially mention the local community art group Sticky Fingers who, with the help of friends and family of hospice patients created the beautiful murals which now adorn the front hall".
 
Attending the launch event were Mayor of Newry & Mourne Michael Carr, Mr Danny Kennedy Chairperson of the local LSP Board, members of the Sticky Fingers Community Group, Canon MacAnuff, Rev.Hutton and Sr Jean Kelly (SAHS Chaplians) who paid tribute to the fantastic work done by Southern Area Hospice Services in the area during a reflection at the cermony.
 
Press Release
9th November 2006
Crime Prevention Seminar in Southern Area Hospice Services
On thursday 9th November 2006 the patients of the Southern Area Hospice Services along with their families were joined by Crime Preventation Officers for the Newry & Mourne Area Constable Terry Mulholland and Warren Todd. The Crime Prevention Seminar was held in the Day Care Unit in St.John's House, Newry.
It is a well known fact that crime levels increase on the lead up to Christmas and due to this the Officers discussed how best to protect yourself and your belongings against theft. This included issues such as leaving Christmas shopping locked in the boot rather than on your back seats of the car, placing your handbag under your seat rather than sitting on the passenger seat while you are driving and also locking the doors while you are driving to protect oneself while you are stopped in traffic or at traffic lights.
The aim of this session was to highlight to the patients the importance of Personal safety within their homes. The Constables gave a very informative presentation which included video footage on the importance of making sure the appropriate measures are taken in order to secure your home for example fitting alarms, not leaving valuables around and locking all windows and doors. The group were also informed about what was open to them such as safety protection grants and free inspections of their houses to increase safety. To find out more information about grant applications contact Terry or Warren on (028) 3083 2070.
The patients and their families commented on the range of information that was discussed and how useful it was. As the seminar finished the Officers gave personal alarms to the attendees and answered any questions.
Press Release
1st July 2006
“Shared Grief”
Southern Area Hospice Services, in conjunction with Sticky Fingers, Newry based Arts Organisation (funded under the Arts Council of Northern Ireland) launched the project “Shared Grief” in an attempt to embrace and encourage participation from the community in this venture. “Shared Grief” project is a series of artworks, reflecting the personal and individual experiences of bereaved family members of all ages and denominations, whose loved ones had received care in the Southern Area Hospice Services.
Sticky Fingers has a long and established history working with both children and adults across Northern Ireland, encouraging people to become actively involved in the arts as a form of self-expression and personal and community development. The project is an integral part of the refurbishment of the hospice entrance in compliance with recent DAA legislation. It is partly funded by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation through the Newry & Mourne Local Strategy Partnership.
Southern Area Hospice Services placed an invitation in local newspapers welcoming the bereaved relatives to join the Bereavement Support Team and contribute to the creation of murals and artworks. Twenty-seven bereaved adults, young people and children responded and, when possible, attended the group sessions. The sessions quickly turned into hives of activity with laughter and some serious work as the participants got down to the business of creating their beautiful works of art.
The “Shared Grief” project aimed to create a series of art works which reflected the personal and individual experiences of bereaved family members of all ages and denominations whose loved ones had received care in the Hospice. It also reflects both the positive and negative impact this difficult time had on their lives. Participants were simply asked to reflect on precious memories of their deceased relative. Each member of the group chose a particular memory and set about creating it, working with a range of art forms that included textiles, painting, felting, needlework and many more. An experienced artist, who was available during all the sessions to guide and encourage adults and children to express their feelings in a creative way, facilitated the “Shared Grief” project.
One particular work of art holds memories not only for Mrs. Sheila Mc Givern, but also for many of us working at the Southern Area Hospice Services who had the privilege of knowing her mother, Mrs. Sheila Fagan, when she worked as a member of staff for 25 years. Sheila shares the memories captured in her personal mural:
“My mother fondly known as “ Mother Fegan” worked in St. John of God Hospital on the Maternity Floor for 10 years and then in the newly furbished laundry department for the remainder of her 25 years. Here she set herself high standards and took great pride in the way laundered items were returned to the patients."
"Over these years she witnessed the change from St. John of God Hospital to Southern Area Hospice. She was a woman that strongly believed in the ethos of Hospice care. She had experienced personal loss when her husband Paddy died in St. John of God Hospital in 1983 before the hospice opened in 1989. Mother left the hospice in 1995 after 25 years of service but her retirement was cut short when she was diagnosed with cancer. She died in the hospice in 1997. Finally I would like to thank each individual for the exceptional care given to my mother while in hospice. A million words of thanks would still not be enough. The involvement in the creation of the murals gave an added dimension to healing the loss that resulted following her death and it is particularly nice to have a tribute to her memory hanging on the wall in the Hospice, a place that was so much part of her life.”
For all who participated, the experience became more than an art session. As we had hoped, the actual artistic experience of creating memories of their loved ones encouraged them to share and talk about the deceased with each other while expressing their feelings in a creative way. Many confirmed that the opportunity to share their particular stories and memories with others brought a new dimension of healing for them in their individual bereavement journeys. Some of the relatives in the bereavement group reflect the following sentiments:
“The bereavement journey is about adjusting and moving forward whilst looking back” (Widower, 45yrs)
“You’ll always remember them…even when you are old” (Child, 8yrs)
“It’s the memories of the years together that help you cope…” (Widow, 78yrs)
The completed murals, are currently on display in the Hospice reception area and portray these memories, so much shared and yet so personal to each individual.
Mrs Una Boyle, Bereavement Support Co- coordinator, stated:
“ On behalf of the Southern Area Hospice services, I wish to express our sincere thanks to all who contributed to this most rewarding project. I hope it will be one of many more to come as we look for new ways to reach out in an effort to bring a small measure of healing for those bereaved through a Hospice death.”
We were grateful for the support of the staff from ‘Sticky Fingers’, Ms Anne Quail and Ms Shauna Swords who patiently facilitated the groups, offering encouragement and enabling the participants to create works of art to such a professional standard. Also on behalf of the Southern Area Hospice Services a special word of thanks to the GNC, Monaghan St, Newry, for framing the murals and the plaque.
Press Release
1st June 2006
Renovations to Hospice Facilities nearing completion
Following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Regulations (DDA 2004) the hospice has been busy bringing its premises in line with the necessary requirements. Work is now nearing completion on the upgrading of the lift, front entrance and reception area. This refurbishment project would not have been possible without grant funding received from Peace II monies as distributed by the Newry & Mourne Local Strategy Partnership. The new reception and Foyer is scheduled for opening in the summer of 2006. Mrs Ann Cooney, Administrative Director at the Hospice, stated:
“We are all delighted with the progress of our renovations- this new facelift will make our building much more user friendly for patients, relatives and staff. We sometimes forget that our building is over 40 years old and there has been very little upgrading in the past 20 years”.
Press Release
28th April 2006
Sexuality and Palliative Care Conference
The Southern Area Hospice Services organized and co-hosted a “Sexuality and Palliative Care” seminar on Thursday 27th April sponsored by the Canal Court Hotel, NAPP, Pfizer, Roche & Cephalon. Over 50 local medical professionals attended the seminar which was a great success. All those in attendance were given the opportunity to question the guest speakers, Ms Terry Magee and Dr Osmond Morris, Consultant in Palliative Medicine.
The guest speaker was Terry Magee who discussed the impact of illness on sexuality. Ms Terry Magee is for the second year running a Fellow of the international Association of Hospice and Palliative Care. She is also a Director of Education at St.Helena Hospice, Colchester, a University Out-centre. Ms Magee has a background in Nursing Therapy and Education and has worked in the Hospice movement for 20 years.
Ms Magee discussed how it is difficult for patients and staff to discuss subjects such as altered body image, the effects of surgery and treatments (i.e. chemotherapy, radiotherapy), loss of control of one’s body and loss of autonomy, changes in a relationship, lack of privacy and fears. Ms Magee discussed the above in an informal way, demonstrating how health care professionals can help their patients talk about their fears etc. Ms Magee stated:
“As professionals in the palliative care field, we owe it to our patients to help address these concerns and worries and we need to look at our inhibitions first. If we have difficulty raising the subject with our patients, then how can we expect them to raise the subjects with us and discuss worries etc?.”
Dr Pauline Mulligan, one of the conference organizers and Medical Officer at the Southern Area Hospice Services, commented on the importance of having this conference:
“Palliative care and the hospice movement aim to look after the patient as a complete entity, looking after the physical needs, emotional needs, psycho-social needs and spiritual needs. The patient is paramount but we aim to look after the family as well. I heard Terry speak six months ago at a conference and I left the lecture room feeling that I had identified an unmet need, both from within myself and within my palliative care colleagues. Hence, Terry was invited to visit and speak at this conference and she gladly agreed, reflecting how she feels that this is an important subject to raise and discuss.”
Press Release
24th February 2006
Red Cross Opens New Newry Wheelchair Loan Centre
The British Red Cross invited local Health Professionals, community organisations and civic leaders to the official opening of a new wheelchair loan centre at the Southern Area Hospice, St John’s House, Courtenay Hill, Newry on the 24th of February 2006. Mayor of Newry & Mourne District Council, Councillor Pat McGinn attended the opening to show his support for the new service.
The new facility started operation at the beginning of December last year as a six month pilot scheme, funded by the Newry and Mourne Heath and Social Care Group and has already proven popular with local people needing to borrow a wheelchair for a short period. Anyone wishing to use the service at the Southern Area Hospice must pre-book by calling 07711 085279 and arranging a time for wheelchair collection on Thursday mornings.
Hilary Hamill, a service co-ordinator with the Red Cross, said:
“We are delighted to have been able to extend the service to Newry and we really appreciate the support of the Southern Area Hospice and the Newry and Mourne Heath and Social Care Group. So far the pilot scheme has been very successful and we hope that it will lead to a permanent service for the area.”
Simon Gibson, Manager of Newry and Mourne Heath and Social Care Group which funded the scheme, said:
“We are delighted to support this valuable service for the people of Newry and Mourne. This service helps to give greater mobility and independence to patients who, due to an accident or illness, are temporarily less mobile while they are waiting for, or receiving, rehabilitation services. It also has an important role in helping to facilitate earlier hospital discharge and ensuring a quicker return to normal life”.
Press Release
9th February 2006
Tory Support For Hospice
During a visit to St, John's House Newry, the Conservative Party's Shadow Secretary of State,
David Lidington, appealed for people to support
the work of the Southern Area Hospice Services. He viewed the in-patient
care unit and discussed a campaign to raise £1.7
million this year to help people with terminal illnesses.
Press Release
9th February 2006
Shadow Secretary of State visits Southern Area Hospice
Services
David Lidington MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern
Ireland, paid tribute to the management and staff of
Southern Area Hospice Services during a visit to Newry
City, engaging with Directors and staff to learn more
about the Hospice’s work and its challenges. One
topic of discussion was the uphill struggle SAHS fundraisers
face in securing sufficient funds to supply the highest
level of palliative care. Mr Lidington also took the
opportunity to observe the refurbishment work currently
ongoing at the front of the building and to hear about
the full range of services provided not only by Hospice
staff and volunteers at St. John’s House, but by SAHS
centres across the Southern Area Health Board Area and in
the various Hospice Shops. Commending staff at the Southern
Area Hospice on their work, Mr Lidington said:
“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity
to visit St. John’s House. The management and
staff here carry out tremendous work and it is clear
that this service is vital to the area. People should
continue to support this work in every way possible”.
Ann Cooney, Director of Southern Area Hospice Services,
said:
“We were delighted to welcome Mr Lidington to
the Hospice. He was able to see at first hand the work
that takes place here and also find out about the vital
contribution hospice volunteers make. It is important
when we have high profile visits to outline the work
of our supporters. Without their help we would not be
able to provide such a comprehensive service in the
Southern Health Board area.”
With a fundraising target of £1.7million for
2006, SAHS need to raise £200 every single hour
to help people affected by terminal illness in the Southern
Board area.
Press Release
2nd February 2006
Hospice Auxiliary Nurses' Exam success
On Thursday 2nd February at 12 noon in the boardroom of Southern Area Hospice, NVQ Level II Health Studies Certificates were presented by Mrs Campbell (Nursing Director) and Yvonne Byrne (Personnel and Training Officer) to the Southern Area Hospice Services Auxiliary nurses:
Elaine Monaghan, Josie Smith and Lorraine Smith. Unfortunately
Ann McAlinden and Sheelagh Weir were unable to attend.
The auxiliary nurses attended Newry College of FE to complete their course. Some of the modules covered included:
• Promote, monitor and maintain health
• Safety and Security in the workplace
• Contribute to the movement and handling of individuals to maximise their physical comfort
• Personal care to enable patients to maintain personal hygiene and appearance
Speaking at the presentation ceremony Mrs Campbell stated:
"I would like to congratulate all involved. It is a proud day not only for the staff but also for the hospice. By continuing to participate in courses and training, our nurses are able to improve their skills and knowledge. The aim of our nurses is to constantly provide high standards of specialist care to patients with terminal illnesses.”
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