CEO of NHS England backs charity vision for hospice care for all.
A Birmingham hospice has launched an ambitious and innovative programme of service redesign to reach more individuals and their families, carers and loved ones than ever before.
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice revealed plans to deliver Hospice Care for All at the launch of their four-year strategy in London last week.
The strategy which looks to expand the provision of end of life care in people’s homes or in community locations was backed by Chief Executive of NHS England Simon Stevens who applauded the hospice on the fantastic work achieved so far.
Speaking at the launch the Birmingham-born CEO said: “This will not only be of enormous benefit for the people of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, it will also set a clear route map that other hospices across this country can take.”
In attendance was also Hospice UK Chairman, the Rt Hon Lord Michael Howard who supported the new strategy; “We are absolutely determined to extend the reach and to make hospice care available to everyone who can benefit from it.”
At the launch event hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Philip Hunt of Kings Heath OBE, staff, trustees and supporters at the hospice also shared their vision and plans of a future where the best experience of living is available to everyone leading up to and at the end of life.
Tina Swani, Chief Executive of Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “It has been a great launch event of our new strategy to such a prestigious audience. Our Satellite Clinics bring us closer to our communities and enable us to reach as many people as possible. We believe this approach can make a significant difference to not only the Birmingham community but beyond.”
Two, 24 month pilot Satellite Clinics have already been launched in Sparkbrook and Bartley Green in different locations such as GP/Health Centres offering easier access to their services closer to the communities where individuals live.
A further three Satellite Clinics have been planned to open in the near future however the Hospice will need to raise an additional £2 million to make this a reality.
The Selly Park based Hospice provides free care and support to over 1,200 patients per year across Birmingham and Sandwell but estimate that this is only 50% of the individuals that are reached.