End of life charity Marie Curie to provide support via GPs in Bournemouth North
Press release published
End of life charity Marie Curie is launching a new initiative to support people living with terminal illnesses in Bournemouth.
Working in partnership with the North Bournemouth Primary Care Network, the service aims to enhance care within GP practices by offering tailored support to patients with any illness they are likely to die from.
This collaborative approach is designed to empower patients to feel better prepared and supported throughout their care journey, helping them to draft an advance care plan to ensure their specific needs are met.
The initiative comes as a new poll reveals how underprepared many people across the UK are for the final chapter of life.
One in three (36 per cent) have not given it any thought, and most do not put a single plan down on paper. One in four (26 per cent) do not plan to give it any thought until the age of 65 at least, and over half (56 per cent) are putting it off until their health significantly deteriorates or they receive a terminal diagnosis. Yet a similar number, 63 per cent, admit this could create a lot of added stress in a time of crisis.
Katie Turner is the Marie Curie Senior Nurse on the service, which is running alongside a Community Companion volunteer service.
Katie, who is based at West Howe clinic, said: "I'm excited to be taking on this new role, where I will be proactively and reactively supporting patients with any illness which they are likely to die from, including Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's, and cancer.
"My work will include advance care planning, discussions regarding non-complex symptom management and liaising with specialist teams for advice , referrals to relevant services , supporting and working alongside district nurses including undertaking palliative assessments and fast track referrals, support for families and carers, and provision of resources for the patient, family and carers.
"Ensuring people get the care and support they need and their wishes heard can make all the difference to someone living with a terminal illness. By working within GP settings, we can have identify those people in need and have early and appropriate discussions to ensure the most supportive care can be instigated in a timely way."
Criteria for assessment includes being 18 years old and over and with having a frail or terminal diagnosis.
Alongside this launch, the Marie Curie Companions service, which launched in March, provides a dedicated team of volunteers - Marie Curie Community Companions - who offer support and a reassuring presence to the most underserved communities living with an illness they're likely to die from – many of whom may be experiencing fuel poverty.
Senior Nurse Katie will refer to that service, which is run in partnership with gas network company SGN, following her assessments, if suitable.
Sam Pearce, Volunteer Service Officer for the Companion service, said more volunteers are needed to reach a diverse community.
She said: "Our amazing Marie Curie Community Companions can be a reassuring presence while providing practical support with fuel poverty, energy-saving, grants, energy efficiency updates, as well as signposting to bereavement and end of life support services.
"Our Community Companions are often a great comfort to families who can arrange for a volunteer to call or visit their loved one at a time when, for whatever reason, they cannot be there themselves."
Volunteers are given training to equip them to provide high-quality support to people at the most vulnerable time.
Since December 2022, Marie Curie has supported almost 4,000 people with energy-related enquiries via its free Support Line. A partnership with the UK Gas Distribution Networks funds specialist Energy Support Line Officers.
Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity and provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for loved ones, in the charity's hospices and in people's homes. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience.
If you need support to discuss advance care planning or anything else, the Marie Curie Primary Care team can help with, speak to your GP in the North Bournemouth Primary Care Network.
To find out more about volunteering as a Marie Curie Community Companion, see the latest opportunities at Marie Curie - Volunteers Careers or contact southcompanions@mariecurie.org.uk
Notes to editor
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact Marie Curie PR Lead Rachel Moses-Lloyd at rachel.moses-lloyd@mariecurie.org.uk / 07730617843 or Press Office: media@mariecurie.org.uk / 0845 073 8699.
Please note, Marie Curie is not a cancer charity but the UK's leading 'end of life charity'. We care for people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer's (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's, and advanced cancer.
About Marie Curie
• Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity.
• The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we're with you to the end.
• If you're living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
• Marie Curie has partnered with the UK Gas Distribution Networks to help give people with a terminal illness the support they need to cope with energy costs. Dedicated Energy Support Officers can provide information on support available from energy suppliers, grants and energy efficient updates. Visit mariecurie.org.uk/energy for more information.
Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.
About SGN
• SGN manages the network which distributes natural and green gas to approximately six million homes and businesses across Scotland, southern England and Northern Ireland. Our pipes deliver gas safely, reliably, and efficiently to each of these customers.
• We perform an essential 24/7 service to keep everyone in our communities safe and warm. If anyone smells gas indoors or outside, they should dial the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999* and an engineer will visit that location to carry out the required checks.
• We're committed to caring for our customers, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, working with specialist organisations on initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society and improving the lives of the people in our communities.
• Alongside the UK and Scottish Governments and the other gas distribution networks, we're developing the world's first zero-carbon gas grid as part of a whole systems approach to a net zero future for the UK.
*Calls are free, and lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These calls are recorded and may be monitored.