Star opens new look hospice

The brand new extension was unveiled at a ceremony attended by the President of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Lady Alison, Countess of Buckingham, and the charity’s patron, Eastenders actress Anita Dobson.

Ms Dobson, who is married to Queen legend Brian May, began proceedings by welcoming the guests, who included the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Mrs Milly Soames DL, the Mayor of Aylesbury Cllr Barbara Russel, AVDC Chairman Cllr Jenny Bloom and Joy Powell, trustee of the Walter Hazell Educational and Charitable Trust, which donated half of the £200,000 required for the project.

Other speakers included Shirley Gibson, a day hospice patient, who described the positive impact the service has had on her and Carolyn Morrice, chief nurse at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, who said: “The day hospice plays an important part in supporting people to live well with enduring illness. It is also a social lifeline for those who often find it difficult to cope with the isolation of illness.

“The extension is a fantastic new facility which provides a ‘home from home’ environment encouraging visitors to relax, have fun and share experiences.”

The day hospice provides care to patients who live at home but come into the hospice for the day to receive therapeutic treatments, pain and symptom relief and a range of psychological and welfare support as well as a social setting giving support and interaction to help them cope with the challenges of living with a life-limiting illness.

“It’s simply wonderful to see the smiles on our patients’ faces,” said Sue Jenkins, CEO of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. “The feedback and comments we have received have been beyond our expectations. It has been a long time coming, but we are delighted with the result.”

The Florence Nightingale Hospice relies on support from the public, and many people each year take part in charity challenges and events to raise funds.

To find out how you can help the good work of ‘Florries’, and about the services they provide go to www.fnhospice.org.uk