Patients welcomed into Five Ashes hospice as it re-opens its doors

Hospice in the Weald is welcoming in-patients back to its hospice in East Sussex, along with a new name to reflect the range of free care now on offer.

The Hospice is once again providing in-patient care at its site in Five Ashes and following successful staff recruitment and upgraded facilities, is now extending its free palliative care to support patients with more complex health needs.

The changes have also warranted a new name for the building which is in the heart of Five Ashes with views over the Sussex Weald. Formerly known as Cottage Hospice, it will now be called Hospice in the Weald, Five Ashes.

Colin, a retired police sergeant from Crowborough, who has spinal and neck cancer, was admitted to the Hospice after being referred from hospital.

“The care I have experienced is fantastic,” said Colin, aged 83, who is a father of two, and has five grandchildren. “The staff are brilliant, nothing is too much. They take time to listen. I couldn’t keep anything down, but they’ve helped me to start eating again. I was having terrible dreams before, but since being here I’m starting to sleep better. It’s beautiful and the view from my room is lovely. There is a little pheasant that comes up to the terrace and yesterday morning I watched the sun rise from my bed – it’s unbelievable.”

Miriam, who has been married to Colin for 34 years, said: “We had such a lovely welcome here at Five Ashes, it’s wonderful. They take a holistic approach and I have seen a big change in Colin since he was admitted. He’s more alert and much calmer. It’s bright and airy, and everyone is so cheerful. Visitors can come and go easily; my brother and sister-in-law have brought their dog in with them. Colin asked me to bring his saxophone in, which he is hoping to play later. We are so relieved and grateful that Colin is here.”

Janet Jackson, of Frant, whose husband Paul is being cared for at the Hospice, is similarly thankful. She said: “The staff are angels, they do everything so sweetly. They are on hand day and night, Paul feels very safe here. His room is lovely and spacious. I have been able to stay the night on a bed next to him, it’s so comfortable. It’s nothing like a hospital setting, it’s like being looked after in a lovely hotel.”

Kerry Norman, Hospice in the Weald’s Head of In-Patient Care, said: “We are delighted to offer in-patient care at this stunning building again. Everyone in our community facing life-limiting and life-threatening illness deserves the best care. It is a privilege for us to provide that in such a wonderful environment.”

Staffing challenges last year led to all in-patient care being temporarily consolidated at the Hospice’s site in Pembury. Now, thanks to successful nursing recruitment and additional facilities, the specialist team can now mirror the care given at Pembury at the Five Ashes site.

Upgrades include an oxygen store to help meet fluctuating demand easily and efficiently, improved medication facilities, a commercial kitchen and the addition of a welcome desk.

Nick Farthing, Chief Executive at Hospice in the Weald, said: “We are pleased to offer in-patient care from Five Ashes once again. We’ve also invested in additional facilities, so we can now also provide vital end of life care to patients with more complex health needs.
“The new name, ‘Hospice in the Weald, Five Ashes,’ aims to make our services clearer and easier to find, so that patients, families, and all in our community know that we have two hospice sites providing expert end-of-life care.

Nick added: “These positive developments are part of a major transformation programme across both sites to better support patients and their loved ones for many years to come.”

As part of the transformation programme, work is also underway at Hospice in the Weald, Pembury. This will see not only the ward, but all patient areas upgraded. In-patients are being cared for at Five Ashes while the work takes place, and once complete in-patient care will continue at both sites, meaning there will be two locations offering the best in end-of-life care. The hospice in Pembury is remaining open throughout for those accessing Living Well services, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

Meanwhile, supporters are warmly invited to attend a Light up a Life remembrance service at the Hospice in Five Ashes at 5pm on Saturday 13^th December. Stars bearing the names of all those remembered are hung on a Christmas tree as part of the event to celebrate the lives of loved ones. For details about this, and the Hospice's other Light up a Life events in the community and online, contact the Fundraising Team on 01892 820 533 or fundraising@hospiceintheweald.org.uk

Hospice in the Weald provides free care and support in East Sussex and Kent for adults and children facing life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. The Hospice needs to raise £9 million each year to continue to provide this vital support.

Visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk to find out more about the Hospice’s latest news and events.