Isabel Hospice have launched an appeal to raise funds to help buy essential medication so it can continue to deliver expert care to patients in its In-Patient Unit.
While a bespoke medication plan can be life changing for Isabel Hospice patients, only 30% of the medication used at the Isabel Hospice In-Patient Unit is funded by the NHS. This means on average, Isabel Hospice must raise around £70,000 each year to pay for the rest.
The Medication Appeal features the story of local couple Rich and Katy. In 2021, aged just 38, Katy was diagnosed with cancer and sadly began to deteriorate rapidly with severe bouts of pain. Katy was later admitted to the Isabel Hospice In-Patient Unit where she was given a number of carefully balanced medications which had an immediate impact.
“Within days she was up, showering and washing her hair” said Rich “Our family were so surprised by how quickly she improved – it almost seemed like she was going to make a miraculous recovery.”
“Isabel’s care and careful medication plan meant we could enjoy all our ‘lasts’ together in the best way we could – with Katy present and free of pain.”
The appeal is asking for donations to go towards medications that can provide; pain relief, nausea relief, seizure relief, mental distress relief and more.
Manisha, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Isabel Hospice commented: “A person could be struggling with a whole range of other symptoms contributing to, or on top of their pain. Suddenly, the simplest of tasks can be overwhelming; things like showering, getting dressed, or taking a walk may be almost impossible.”
“But when we manage to get these symptoms under control, it can make an enormous difference. Medication, alongside our incredible team of doctors and nurses, plays a crucial role in that care; without it there’s only so much we can do to ease their journey.”
In the last year, Isabel Hospice cared for over 1500 patients affected by life limiting illness as well as providing additional support to over 500 family members.
Isabel Hospice provides their services free of charge to those who need them, but they are not without cost. This means £7 million must be raised each year to guarantee the future of care for eastern Hertfordshire – and the majority of this comes from fundraising and donations.
Anybody wishing to learn more about how to support the Medication Appeal should visit:
isabelhospice.org.uk/MedicationAppeal or call the Isabel Hospice Supporter Care Team on 01707954850.
