Two hospices have joined together for a special appeal ­— the Forever Fund ­­— to try to preserve their services as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Nottinghamshire Hospice and Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark, both survived the lockdown perios, despite being severely impacted by Covid-19.

Thanks to backing from their supporters, the hospices even extended their services to help more patients and families.

Now they are asking people to pledge a small regular amount to safeguard them from any future impact of the pandemic.

“Hospice care is more important than ever as it allows patients with a terminal illness to stay at home in their final days with family around them and keeps them out of hospital,” said Rowena Naylor-Morrell, chief executive of Nottinghamshire Hospice.

“Both our hospices took a substantial financial hit due to shops being closed and events cancelled.

“Nobody knows how long the pandemic will continue or what the new normal will look like, so we are setting up our Forever Fund to safeguard services should there be future peaks and lockdowns.”

The Forever Fund appeal launch comes just after Nottinghamshire Hospice marked its 40th birthday.

Rowena added: “Nottinghamshire Hospice has been here for 40 years. We intend to be here for the next 40 years too!

“Please consider giving a regular gift to help us keep care free into the future. By pledging just £10 a month you can help us secure the future of palliative care across Nottinghamshire.”

Debbie Abrams, chief executive of Beaumond House Community Hospice, added: “The pandemic has caused a wave of unplanned, traumatic deaths, which has brought home to many people how important it is to plan for a good death wherever possible.

“We can step in and support patients and families during those last weeks, days, and hours of life.
“By helping us secure our future, we can help you plan for yours.”

Since the pandemic hit, both hospices adapted their services quickly to cope with increased demand and new challenges.

Nottinghamshire Hospice set up a new Hospice Outreach and Discharge Service (HODS) and now offers around-the-clock care to patients at the end of life in their own homes, as well as support for their families and carers.

Nottinghamshire Hospice and Beaumond House are both local charities, reliant on donations to provide care in their areas, and predict a combined loss in income of £450,000 by the end of the year due to the cumulative effects of the pandemic.

For more information about the Forever Fund appeal go to www.nottshospice.org/forever

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