A leading palliative care expert has described the work of East Cheshire Hospice as inspirational.
Dr Kathryn Mannix told more than 360 guests at The King’s School, Macclesfield, that the charity is at the forefront of end-of-life care.
Kathryn was a consultant in hospices, hospitals and patient homes before becoming a best-selling author and speaker.
Her books With The End in Mind and Listen use storytelling to help loved ones approach sensitive conversations around dying.
The emotive topic was highlighted in a fascinating talk with host Nick Robinson, the respected BBC broadcaster.
Nick explained how his late father, Robbie, was cared for by the Hospice where he is now a patron.
Kathryn was given a Hospice tour before her chat about putting her extensive medical experience into book form.
Dr Kathryn Mannix and Nick Robinson at The King’s School, Macclesfield.
She said: “We’re not very good with the D word – dying, death and dead. But we are useless with the L word, but it’s about how we are loving with each other that really makes the difference.
“A survey about end-of-life care showed that nearly one in five people dying in UK hospitals has previously had a conversation about dying and made some plans. That means that 80 per cent have not.
“The work of East Cheshire Hospice is exemplary.
“It has 15 inpatient beds and weaves its specialist expertise out into the community, through services like Hospice @Home, which has looked after 470 people in their own place over the past year. That’s wonderful.”
Kathryn said: “They are changemakers here at East Cheshire Hospice and more advanced than many other places.
“The patient pathway is smooth as they move between different parts of care. The Hospice is constantly helping the NHS to develop palliative care services. Its inspirational.”
Nick, from Macclesfield, praised the care his father received in 2000. His sister, Dr Debbie Maxwell, is a Hospice trustee.
He said: “Dad thought the staff were lovely and warm. He loved the outdoors and his garden and felt the Hospice gave him a sight of flowers and trees which made him feel good.
“Mum couldn’t cope at home and he felt comfortable at the Hospice. He saw his latest grandchild, Harry, who was only two weeks old, and then felt he could go.”
Juliette White CBE, chair of the Hospice trustees and the school’s board of governors, explained during her welcome address that the Hospice cares for about 1,750 patients and their families each year.