Damian Hinds made a recent visit to the Rosemary Foundation, a ‘hospice at home’ team based in Petersfield, to discuss the end-of-life care that they provide for patients and their families.
The Rosemary Foundation provides hands-on nursing care for individuals who wish to remain in their own homes as they near the end of their lives, and also offers counselling and bereavement support to their families. The Foundation, which has been in operation for 16 years, is supported entirely by charitable giving.
According to Marie Curie Cancer Care, less than 5% of people say they want to die in hospital but around 50% end up doing so.
Damian Hinds said:
“Most of us, given the choice, would like to die at home, in a familiar environment and with our loved ones around us. Sadly, without a team that can provide around-the-clock care, this is often not possible. Often emergency services will have to be called at some point and this results in a final hospital admission.
“Good end-of-life care is one of the hallmarks of a civilised society, and it is important to be able to take note of – and, where possible, implement – individual choice. The Rosemary Foundation is a first-class care organisation and does hugely valuable work bringing comfort to those who wish to die at home and relieving pressure on the rest of the health service.
“I would encourage anyone, however fit and healthy, to share their wishes with their loved ones now if they believe they would one day like to benefit from the services of such a care team.”