SPRING/SUMMER 2013 NEWSLETTERwww.stdavidshospice.org.uk

Providing the highest quality specialist care is top priority for St David’s Hospice. The Hospice participates in the “iWantGreatCare” reviews, a national patient evaluation programme for specialist palliative care and hospice services. It allows patients and their families to leave anonymous, meaningful feedback on their care.

“iWantGreatCare” measures patient satisfaction and covers topics such as cleanliness, efficiency, respect and dignity and addressing fears. The overall findings demonstrate that St David’s Hospice is maintaining consistently high levels of patient satisfaction, frequently scoring 10 out of 10.

Clinical Services Manager, Nia Rosser Hughes, said “We are delighted with the positive feedback and lovely comments given by our service users. We are grateful that people have given of their time to show such appreciation and it has given the team a wonderful boost.”

The feedback from the surveys included some very positive comments from our patients and their relatives…

“We found the care and attention received by my mother to be excellent and staff very caring and considerate” - Relative of an Inpatient

“I really can’t praise this team enough. Nursing is so caring and assuring.” – Day Care patient

“My late husband had excellent care whilst at the Hospice in Llandudno. My family and I could not wish for anything better to make his life easier before he died peacefully and with dignity.” - Relative of an Inpatient

“I cannot fault the care that I received at St David’s. The staff are so helpful and understanding and take the time to listen and explain all aspects of treatment.” – Day Care patient

Full results are available at www.stdavidshospice.org.uk/iwantgreatcare

PatIENtS & RElatIvES PRaISE ExcEllENt HoSPIcE caRE

St DavID’S HoSPIcE

St David’s Hospice has been given a cash boost to help to complete its vital redevelopment.

The Welsh Government have awarded a £250,000 capital grant which has enabled the “Helping Hands Appeal” to reach its target.

Chairman of the Hospice, Gladys Harrison said:

“The redevelopment of St David’s Hospice has been successfully completed and has provided an environment of privacy and comfort for patients and families who have requested the expert care that Hospices provide. The additional three beds will enable us to accept the increasing need for patients requiring specialised palliative care.

The capital grant for the appeal, which the community of North West Wales has so generously supported, has been very gratefully received.”

HoSPIcE GEtS ‘HElPING HaND’ wItH ItS aPPEal

Phot

o: K

erry

Rob

erts

, Nor

th W

ales

Pio

neer

The Former Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths, visited St David’s Hospice in February and unveiled the final section of the fundraising thermometer. Pictured with Chairman, Gladys Harrison.

3 improved patient privacy by converting six beds within shared rooms to single bedroom accommodation

3 three additional bedrooms (making a total of 14)

3 a new relatives’ day lounge3 additional facilities for relatives3 enhanced education and training facilities3 more accessible Fundraising Department

wItH FRIENDS

St David’s Hospice needs your help. We are looking for volunteers to set up and join new Community Fundraising Support Groups across North West Wales.

Could you spare some time once a week, or once a month, to join together with like-minded people and organise as many or as few events that you are able to manage? All you need is a belief in the work of St David’s Hospice, a sense of humour and fun, and be able to spare a few hours a month or even a year.

Perhaps your family, friends, colleagues or existing Community Group may be interested in organising events for the Hospice. Simple things like holding a coffee morning or a collection day every other month in your local area will help us raise the awareness of the Hospice and of course, raise much-needed funds.

The Hospice Fundraising Team will always be at hand to help you in your fundraising, including the supply of posters, banners, collection buckets and publicity for your event.

For more information about forming a Community Fundraising Support Group please contact Kim Barr on 01492 879058 or email k.barr@stdavidshospice.org.uk

GEt toGEtHER

aND PUt tHE “FUN” INto FUNDRaISING!

Through this newsletter, I would like to show

my appreciation to all our volunteers who

are making a big difference to the quality of

life of local people, living with a life-limiting

illness.

Across the organisation more than 300 trained

volunteers provide thousands of hours’ worth

of service to St David’s Hospice. Over 300 adults receive care

from our Hospice every year and Hospice volunteers are an

integral part of the care team.

Our volunteers are involved in almost every aspect of the work

of St David’s whether they are working alongside the Hospice

staff assisting in the Day Care and Inpatient Units, manning the

Hospice reception, providing fundraising support, transporting

patients, serving in the Hospice shops and Café Dewi, sorting in

the Distribution Centre and much more. They help to create a

relaxed, friendly atmosphere which can help dispel any myths

about Hospice care.

Once again, a heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers for their

dedication and compassion. We simply could not achieve what

we do without their time and talents.

Why don’t YOU join us? If you are able to spare your time,

please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator Kimberley Barr on

01492 879058. We look forward to hearing from you.

alun Davies, chief Executive

GEoRGE ScooPS ‘YoUR cHaMPIoNS’ awaRD!

Congratulations to Hospice Volunteer George Williams who was nominated for the North Wales Weekly News ‘Volunteer of the Year 2012’ award. George and his wife Kathleen (also a Hospice Volunteer) attended the presentation evening at the St George’s Hotel, Llandudno. It was a night to remember, with George not only winning the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award but also the overall winner ‘Champion of Champions’ award from the Trinity Mirror newspaper group . Well Done George!

George has had the responsibility of distributing collection boxes to pubs, shops and hotels in Llandudno for the past 16 years and has raised over £100,000 for the Hospice to date.

Phot

o: T

rinity

Mirr

or

St David’s Hospice Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2013 St David’s Hospice Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2013

“Last year my twin sister, Rachael, was transferred to St David’s Hospice. She was only 22 years old and had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. At first, she was not happy about moving from the Hospital to a Hospice. The only notion that she had of Hospices was that they compared to nursing homes.

However, from the moment of arriving it was clear to see that it was definitely the best place for her to be. The staff, including the volunteers were so helpful, kind, and welcoming. They made the transition from Hospital to Hospice a stress free experience. It was great to have such caring and supportive people to help Rachael settle into her time at the Hospice.

Not only do the specialist trained nurses offer support, guidance and care for the patients, they provide so much for the families as well. They made me feel safe, knowing that there was always someone there, throughout the day and night. This provided us with the knowledge that Rachael was being cared for in the best possible way. They were very respectful of all our needs, there were no restrictions and allowed us to visit whenever Rachael wanted us to.

It was lovely to see that they took the time to get to know the patients and didn’t just talk about medicines, treatments and things related to the illness. They listened to what my sister had to say.

Rachael had her own bedroom, which was very light and airy, with space for all her home comforts. Within the room there was another drop-down bed that enabled me to stay over with my sister, which was nice, as it was something we weren’t allowed to do at the Hospital.

During her time at the Hospice she got to know the staff very well and was very fond of them. It was important for Rachael not to feel like she was being treated any different due to her illness. The staff nurses were fantastic with her; they treated her like a 22 year old. On one occasion, with the approval from the doctor, she was allowed home for a few hours to watch the football. I know that this made Rachael feel like she still had her independence and, despite her age, was taken seriously by the members of staff at the Hospice.

Rachael was made to feel as comfortable as possible. This included being offered complementary therapies including massages for her feet, back and neck. These massages helped with her relaxation and comfort. These therapies were also offered to my family as part of the care services.

The care that Rachael and my family received was brilliant. To think they are able to offer such excellent care and support just from donations and fundraising is amazing. They all make such a difference in the lives of people affected by terminal illness and I can’t thank them enough for everything they did.”

I woUlD lIkE to joIN tHE HoSPIcE lottERY GaME

q Send me a Standing Order form.

q Here is a cheque for £ ..........................

q I want to pay cash at the door. Here is £4.

(certain areas only)

q I shall pay £52 in one sum by Standing Order -

send my Dewi Bear to me.

q I am paying £52 today - send my Dewi Bear to me

Name: ..............................................................................................................

Address: .........................................................................................................

......................................................... Postcode: ...........................................

Tel: ...................................................................................................................

Email: .............................................................................................................

#

In March this year we said a farewell to Tom Williams after 15 years at the helm and having raised £5.5 million. Julie Hughes, former Lottery Director at Severn Hospice, now joins the Hospice Team as the newly appointed Lottery Manager.

Whilst at Severn Hospice, Julie helped to grow the lottery from around 10,000 players to over 23,000, increasing the contribution to Hospice running costs to more than £800,000. She is now hoping to follow Tom’s amazing work at St David’s

and make sure that the Lottery continues to be a valuable source of regular, recurring income for the Hospice. Julie said “The Lottery has been in such safe hands for the past 15 years, but I am looking forward to working with all the Hospice Team as we move on to a new era and wish Tom well for a long and happy retirement!”

Originally from Shropshire, Julie is married and has two sons and a cat called Spartacus; she is looking forward to moving to the Llandudno area in the near future.

INTRoducINg a NeW MeMbeR To ouR LoTTeRy TeaM

Rebecca Hailstones tells of the care her sister received at St David’s Hospice

St David’s Hospice Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2013

tRUStEE SPotlIGHt - MaNDY HUGHESI have had a professional interest in research into cancer treatments and

End of Life Care for many years. Initially working within the pharmaceutical

industry, setting up and overseeing clinical trials for cancer drugs and more

recently setting up a network for Hospices undertaking palliative care

research in the North West of England. At present I am working with the

Association of Palliative Medicine and the National Cancer Research Institute helping to raise

awareness and promote all aspects of End of Life Care research to the medical fraternity and

beyond.

I have been a Trustee at a Hospice in Lancashire and a bereavement support volunteer and hope

these experiences and my employment history will enable me to make a valuable contribution

to St David’s Hospice. I am particularly interested in ensuring wherever possible the Hospice’s

expertise in End of Life Care is available to patients and also to those either providing or accessing

palliative care services indirectly.

“I feel very privileged to have been asked to be a member of the Trustee Board and look forward

to working with staff, volunteers and fellow board members to ensure St David’s continues to

deliver the very best standard of care to its patients, their families and the wider community.”

Mandy was brought up in Deganwy as the daughter of two practicing doctors and moved away

at the age of 18 years to study at Cardiff University. She returned two years ago, having always

wanted to end up living back by the sea. She now divides her time between working in the field of

research in connection with End of Life Care, being a Trustee at St David’s, helping with four very

young grandchildren and trying to improve her golf handicap!

“My biggest regret, after joining St David’s Hospice as a Volunteer two years ago, is that I did not become involved much earlier. After retiring from an interesting career, I was not really doing much. I wanted to do something worthwhile with my time. The Hospice came to mind. To be honest, I knew nothing about the place and yes, I was a bit scared of the word “Hospice” and not too sure as to how I could be of use.

Someone said, “There’s a nice café there.” So my wife and I paid a few visits and these were some of our initial reactions: “Excellent coffee!”; “Lovely welcome”. It was all very relaxed with the type of food that makes you feel that it has been especially prepared just for you. So yes, I was getting a feel for the place and indeed a feeling of warmth. I noted that the café is staffed by Volunteers. The more often I went the more at home I felt, whoever were the Volunteers on duty.

So the day came when I went up to the Reception Desk and asked the Volunteer on duty if I could have a Volunteer Application Form.

I took the form home and filled it in. The usual questions: name and age; my career history; my interests; my health; in which areas did I think that I would like to volunteer? The interview was a pleasant, thorough experience as one would expect. This was followed by the essential checks for clearance to work with adults in a Hospice. Then I attended an introductory session with other new Volunteers, more of a chat about the

Hospice really. Throughout all this, I became very aware of the atmosphere of happiness, sincerity and warmth within the building and amongst its staff. They are just marvellous. You don’t have the feeling “We are staff and you are just a Volunteer.” You are made to feel that you are an appreciated member of a team.

I am now a Volunteer on the Main Reception, in the Day Care and Inpatient Units. I take every opportunity I can to talk about the Hospice and how I enjoy my volunteering sessions. The Hospice has a special atmosphere. To me the word “beauty” encompasses so many aspects of the place; it’s not just a word, you feel it.

Volunteering is a two way process. Indeed, I would say that you get more out of volunteering than you put in. Every session that I do is another privilege that enriches my life and its meaning.

There’s a warm welcome for you in Cafe Dewi too. Gain a feeling for the Hospice like I did and then it could be your turn to ask for a Volunteer Application Form!”

by dafydd Price

tHE BEaUtY oF volUNtEERING

WANTED! adventurous people throughout

the uK to do something like this… for FRee!

Help us raise funds by making an exhilarating 10,000 feet

freefall parachute jump.

No experience is required and if you raise the minimum amount of sponsorship you will get to

jump for FRee!

For a free information pack call: 01492 873665.

St David’s Hospice Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2013 St David’s Hospice Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2013

NEw cHaRItY SHoP oPENS IN coNwY

beauMaRIs 4 Church Street 01248 810403

cRaIg-y-doN 19 Mostyn Avenue 01492 860504

coLWyN bay 34 Penrhyn Road 01492 533166

coNWy 17 High Street 01492 593719

coNWy – New for 2013 23 High Street

LLaNdudNo 9 Lloyd Street 01492 871751

LLaNdudNo JuNcTIoN 155 Conwy Road 01492 573917

LLaNRWsT 3 Watling Street 01492 641516

PoRTHMadog 142 High Street 01766 513155

RHos-oN-sea 31 Penrhyn Avenue 01492 544569

shop

dire

ctor

y

our charity shop in High street, conwy has recently moved up the road to bigger and better premises, and will be opening its doors to the public at easter. The shop holds an extensive range of items including clothing, books, music, bric-a-brac and small items of furniture. The original hospice shop, two doors down, will run in tandem until the summer of 2013.

Income from our Hospice shops is a major revenue source for our charity. We look forward to welcoming many customers to our new shop.

We have recently expanded our Hospice shop distribution facilities. by renting a neighbouring unit (unit 6) in builder street, Llandudno and the addition of a new van, we are now able to sell a wider range of items such as good quality furniture. With parking outside the units, they are an ideal location to drop off the donations and view the furniture we have for sale.

We are currently looking for new ideas for the name of the Hospice distribution facilities at builder street. If you have any suggestions please email them to enquiries@stdavidshospice.org.uk

st david’s Hospice is in need of good quality donations to sell in our charity shops; cds, dVds, clean clothing for all ages, toys and games, household items and linens, jewellery, small electrical items in working order and furniture.Please drop your donations off at our distribution centre, Roger Mostyn court, builder street, Llandudno or call 01492 878935 for a collection.

23 High st, conwy, LL32 8aH

Stock aPPEal

St David’s Hospice is dependent on gifts left by friends and supporters in their Wills. If you are considering gifting

the Hospice, we very much appreciate you thinking of us.

For more information about legacies, or to find out how a gift in your Will can help, call Andrew Humphreys 01492 879058 or visit http://stdavidshospice.org.uk/support-us/legacies

Make a Will today ...

… make a difference tomorrow

DATA PROTECTION POLICYSt David’s Hospice and its lottery company St David’s Promotions Ltd. are registered under

the Data Protection Act 1998. The Hospice does not pass personal data to any other organisations but may wish to keep you informed of Hospice news and activities.

If you do not wish to receive this information, contact:St David’s Hospice. Abbey Road, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 2EN.

Email: enquiries@stdavidshospice.org.uk www.stdavidshospice.org.ukTelephone: 01492 879058 Fax: 01492 872081

St David’s Hospice Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2013

The St David’s Hospice popular Dawn Walk will be back again in its 6th year on Sunday 4th August. Thank you to the 226 ladies who took part in 2012 and collectively raised over £17,500. This brings the total over the five years to a fantastic £97,500!

The nine mile sponsored walk starts and finishes at Aberconwy School, Conwy. The route follows the low level coastal paths, with stunning views across the Conwy estuary, to the Hospice. You will then retrace your footsteps, experiencing the beauty of the mountains as the sun rises. The event starts at first light (registration is 4.15am) with a fun warm up before we all set off together.

This is a registration only event, entry is £15 and the closing date for entries is Friday 19th July. After this date, please ring the Fundraising Office on 01492 873665. For further detailed information about the Dawn Walk go to:

To take part please complete the registration form to the right and return it to Fundraising Dept, St David’s Hospice, Abbey Rd, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2EN.

What other walkers have said about the event:

“It was such a lovely time to walk, so peaceful and as dawn was breaking, the birds were singing and watching the sun coming up over this beautiful part of the world was spectacular. It was very relaxed and I went at my own pace.”

“I felt privileged, like I was part of something special.”

“Everybody was in good spirits and it was a great atmosphere.”

Bydd taith gerdded boblogaidd Hosbis Dewi Sant, “Cerdded gyda’r Wawr”, yn ôl am y 6ed flwyddyn ar ddydd Sul 4ydd Awst. Diolch i’r 226 o ferched a gymerodd ran yn 2012 ac a gododd gyda’i gilydd £17.500. Daw hyn a’r cyfanswm dros y bum mlynedd i £97,500. Gwych!

Mae’r daith noddedig naw milltir yn cychwyn a gorffen wrth Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy a dilynir y llwybrau isel arfordirol gyda’u golygfeydd trawiadol o aber Conwy, i’r Hosbis ac yna dychwelyd ar hyd yr un ffordd, gan brofi harddwch y mynyddoedd wrth i’r haul godi. Mae’r digwyddiad yn cychwyn gyda thoriad gwawr (cofrestru am 4.15 y.b.) gydag ymarfer hwyliog i gynhesu cyn dechrau’r daith gyda’n gilydd.

Rhaid cofrestru i fod yn rhan o’r digwyddiad, cost ymuno yw £15 a dydd Gwener 19eg Gorffennaf yw’r dyddiad cau, Wedi’r dyddiad hwn, os gwelwch yn dda, ffoniwch y Swyddfa Codi Arian ar 01492 873665. Am fwy o wybodaeth am “Cerdded Gyda’r Wawr” ewch i:

I gymryd rhan, os gwelwch yn dda, cwblhewch y ffurflen gofrestru o’r dde a’i dychwelyd i Adran Codi Arian, Hosbis Dewi Sant, Ffordd yr Abaty, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2EN.

Beth mae cerddwyr eraill wedi’i ddweud am y digwyddiad:

“Roedd yn amser mor hyfryd i gerdded, mor heddychlon ac fel roedd y wawr yn torri roedd yr adar yn canu ac roedd gwylio’r haul yn codi dros y rhan hardd hwn o’r byd yn rhyfeddol. Roedd yn hollol hamddenol a gallwn gerdded ar gyflymdra o’m dewis fy hunan.”

Teimlais ei bod yn fraint, roedd fel bod yn rhan o rhywbeth arbennig.”

“Roedd pawb mewn hwyliau da ac roedd yr awyrgylch yn ardderchog.”

CallinG all ladies!

dawn Walk 2013

GalW’r MerChed!

Cerdded Gyda’r Wawr 2013

FFuRFLEN GOFRESTRu “CERDDED GYDA’R WAWR” DAWN WALk REGISTRATION FORM

Enw / Name .........................................................................................................

Cyfeiriad / Address ...............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................. Côd post / Postcode ...............................................

Cwmni (os yn berthnasol) / Company (if applicable) ................................................................................

Teleffon Oriau’r Dydd/ Day Time Telephone No. ..........................................................................................

Cyfeiriad E-bost / Email Address .....................................................................................................................

Enw Cyswllt mewn Argyfwng / Emergency Contact Name .....................................................................

Rhif Teleffon y Cyswllt Argyfwng / Emergency Contact Telephone No. ..............................................

Dyddiad Geni (os o dan 16) / Date of Birth (if under 16) .........................................................................

Os ydych o dan 16eg oed mae’n rhaid i chi gyd-gerdded trwy gydol y daith gydag oedolyn sydd wedi cofrestru. (Dim cerddwyr o dan 12) If you are under 16 years of age you must walk with a registered adult who accompanies you throughout the walk (No walkers under 12)

Enw’r Oedolyn sy’n dod gyda chi / Name of Accompanying Adult .......................................................

q Amgaeaf siec yn daladwy i ‘Hosbis Dewi Sant’ am £15 (nid yw’n ad-daliadwy) / I enclose a cheque made payable to ‘St David’s Hospice’ for £15 (non-refundable)

Os hoffech dalu â cherdyn ffoniwch 01492 873665, os gwelwch yn dda / If you would like to pay by card please call 01492 873665.

Crys-T (Ticiwch y blwch) / T-shirts (Please tick box)

q Bach / Small (35”-37”) q Canolig / Medium (38”-40”)

q Mawr / Large (41”-43”) q Enfawr / Extra Large (44”-46”)

q Os gwelwch yn dda, arbedwch gost postio i’r Hosbis – e-bostiwch y pecyn gwybodaeth i mi / Please save the Hospice postage - email the information pack to me

Sut y daethoch i wybod am y daith gerdded? / How did you hear of the walk?

....................................................................................................................................................................................

DATGANIAD / DECLARATION

Rwy’n datgan fy mod yn cymryd rhan yn “Cerdded Gyda’r Wawr” Hosbis Dewi Sant o’m gwirfodd ac ni ellir dal y trefnwyr yn atebol am unrhyw anafiadau neu golli eiddo tra’n cymryd rhan yn y digwyddiad. Cadarnhaf nad oes gennyf unrhyw anabledd meddygol a fyddai yn fy mheryglu i nac unrhyw un arall a fydd yn cymryd rhan. Cadarnhaf fy mod yn derbyn rheolau a rheoliadau y digwyddiad.

I declare that I am entering the St David’s Hospice Dawn Walk of my own choosing and no liability will be placed on the organisers for any injury sustained or any property lost whilst participating in the event. I confirm that I have no medical disabilities which would endanger myself or others taking part. I confirm I accept the rules and regulations of the event.

ARWyDDWCH yMA / SIGN HERE

arWyddWCh yn y BlWCh isodPlease siGn in the Box BeloW

www.stdavidshospice.org.uk/dawnwalk2013www.stdavidshospice.org.uk/dawnwalk2013

#

Dychwelwch i: Adran Codi Arian, Hosbis Dewi Sant, Ffordd yr Abaty, Llandudno LL30 2EN

Return to: Fundraising Dept, St David’s Hospice, Abbey Rd, Llandudno LL30 2EN

FuNDRAISING DIARY

SAT 22 JuNE Black Tie BBQ at Caerhun Hall - Tickets £40

SAT 13 JuLY Hospice Hoedown & Hog Roast at Marl Farm - Tickets £22

SAT 27 JuLY St David’s Hospice Summer Fete 1pm – 4pm in the grounds of the Hospice

SuN 28 JuLY Duck Race at Conwy River Festival 10am – 5pm

SuN 4 AuG Dawn Walk - sponsored nine mile walk for ladies only

Tel: 01492 873665

DYDDIADuR CODI ARIANDYDD SADWRN 22 MEHEFIN

Barbeciw Tei Du yn Neuadd Caerhun – Tocynnau £40

DYDD SADWRN 13 GORFFENNAFHwylddawns yr Hosbis a Mochyn Rhost: Fferm Marl – Tocynnau £22

DYDD SADWRN 27 GORFFENNAFGwyl Haf Hosbis Dewi Sant o 1 – 4 y.p. ar dir yr Hosbis

DYDD SADWRN 28 GORFFENNAFRas Hwyaid yng Ngwyl Afon Conwy 10y.b. – 5 y.h.

DYDD SuL 4 AWST “Cerdded Gyda’r Wawr” – taith gerdded 9 milltir noddedig i ferched yn unig

Ffôn: 01492 873665

St David’s Hospice Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2013 Taflen Newyddion Hosbis Dewi Sant - Gwanwyn/Haf 2013