£100,000 gift transforms Penarth hospice’s day therapy unit

A generous gift donated to a Penarth hospice has seen a day therapy unit transformed into a bright and airy space for patients and their families, with more room for clinical and complementary therapy services. 

 

The Marie Curie – Cardiff and the Vale Hospice’s new Outpatients and Day Therapy Service was officially opened by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Vaughan Gething, following a £100,000 donation from the Hodge Foundation.  

 

The gift has allowed the unit to be completely refurbished and able to offer a range of services, which supports patients and families and allow them to spend more time at home working in partnership with NHS services and complementing other charities provision in the area.  

 

Opening the unit, Mr Gething welcomed the services that would be on offer, both for Marie Curie patients and other organisations.

 

“Providing clinical services at the unit means patients and their families can return home after treatment, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions,” he said. 

 

 “I’m delighted to open the unit; this gift from the Hodge Foundation has helped create a brighter space for people living with terminal illness.”   

 

Donna Lee, interim nurse manager for the Outpatients and Day Therapy Service, said: “The transformation is amazing.   

 

“Our aim is to provide a range of services to advise, support and care for patients and their families, these include complementary therapies, group sessions and outpatient appointments.”  

 

Bryn Ruston has used the hospice for complementary services.  

 

The 50-year-old, originally from Barry but now living in Cardiff, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour nine years ago. 

 

 “I feel that there are so many people in my position who can benefit from this service,” he said.  

 

“I really enjoyed the foot rubs (reflexology) and I’ve met so many people here, it’s been great.”  

 

Husband and wife Ian and Susan Hooper have been attending the unit for the past 3 or 4 months.  

 

Mr Hooper, who lives with COPD, has had treatment for breathlessness, while Mrs Hooper has received counselling and also attends the monthly Carer’s Café, which is now being held at the unit. 

 

They both praised the work done by nurses and volunteers, and said though they are now discharged by their nurse, can still receive help when they need it. 

 

“We can get on with life and enjoy ourselves, but we know we have got hands on our back for support,” said Mrs Hooper. 

 

“That has really made a big difference to how we cope with life.” 

 

The Hodge Foundation wanted to support the vital work carried out by the Marie Curie Hospice – Cardiff and the Vale, which provides round-the-clock expert care and support to those with terminal illness. 

 

Karen Hodge, trustee, said: “The trustees of the foundation wanted to ensure the hospice has the best facilities and environment to carry on its work.  The transformation of the day unit is overwhelming.” 

 

Hospice manager, Paula Elson, thanked the Hodge Foundation for its donation, and said the funding had helped make the hospice team’s dream a reality.