It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for patients with a life-limiting illness and their families, it can be a daunting and isolating time, with some sources of support closing or reducing their hours over the festive period.
Rennie Grove Hospice Care looks after patients in their own homes 365 days per year. Last year, over the 12 days of Christmas Rennie Grove provided care to 455 patients, including 28 on Christmas Day alone.
This year, Mary and Catherine will be the Rennie Grove Hospice at Home nurses covering the St Albans and Harpenden areas on Christmas Day.
Catherine says: "I have worked on Christmas Day in the past and the patients I have visited on those occasions really stay with me.
"Christmas is meant to be a joyful time for families to spend together but if a loved one is nearing the end of their life it can be a very difficult time.
"With many services closed or operating at reduced capacity, families can feel unsure of where to turn. It is a privilege to be there for patients and families at this time so they know there is always someone there for them.
"I will celebrate Christmas with my own family on a different day and they all understand that it is worth sacrificing our day together, to make sure that patients and families facing a very difficult time can access the care they need.”
Mary says: "Although I’ve worked many Christmas Days over the years as a nurse, this will be my first one as a Rennie Grove Hospice at Home nurse.
"I know from my team’s experience that it can often be a busy day. We try not to carry out routine visits on Christmas Day so we are free to visit patients as and when they need us.
"In order to manage this, we plan in advance to make sure our patients all have things they require, so planned visits aren’t needed that day.
"I’m happy to be taking my turn of working a Christmas Day shift as it is really important to be able to support patients and families to make every moment matter at this time of year."
Help local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families get the support they need this Christmas, by donating to Rennie Grove’s Christmas care appeal: renniegrove.org/christmasappeal.
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