Rowcroft Hospice is inviting the local community to support its recently launched bed appeal – by making a donation to help fund new beds. After 20 years of constant use, the charity’s 13 specialist beds in its Inpatient Unit in Torquay are reaching the end of their lives. High quality, comfortable beds are the most essential piece of equipment in end-of-life care, so the hospice is seeking to raise £50,000 for new beds.
“In order to continue delivering outstanding care, we need to make sure that we’ve got the best possible equipment,”
explains Bev Stevenson, Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit Modern Matron.
“A bed may sound relatively simple, but it is one of the main sources of physical support and comfort. Many of our patients spend most of their time in bed, so it is vital that we do everything we can to make them as comfortable as possible through what can be the hardest times imaginable.”
Due to the age of the current beds, the parts for the beds are no longer manufactured and are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to source. Rowcroft is seeking funding to purchase 12 replacement beds (plus one spare bed for when a ward bed is unavailable). In addition the hospice hopes to raise enough funds to purchase some additional pull-out beds, which will offer patients the opportunity to share their bed with a loved one. For someone with a partner in their final days, or for a child who is saying goodbye to a parent, the chance to lie next to each other one last time can create precious memories to cherish forever. One pull-out bed alone costs £10,000 and the standard beds start from £2,000 each.
The expense of replacing the beds comes at a time when Rowcroft is already facing significant financial challenges due to the impact of the pandemic. Rowcroft is asking for support from community groups, local companies and trusts, and from anyone who would like to help with a donation towards the substantial costs of the beds.
Rowcroft’s income has been badly affected by the COVID crisis – due to the cancellation of its mass-participation fundraising events and with the closure of its shops in line with the national lockdown. Lack of income, coupled with an escalating demand for end-of-life care in South Devon, are exacerbating pressures on the charity.
Rowcroft Hospice provides specialist care, advice and emotional support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South Devon. Over recent months, the hospice has seen an increasing demand for its end-of-life care services, with its Hospice at Home service flooded by a surge in demand. Referrals to its Community Team – which encompasses clinical nurse specialists and specialist palliative care doctors, and which provides services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, complementary and music therapy, and bereavement support – have also steadily climbed to reach extremely high levels. As the winter approaches, the hospice is bracing for an even greater demand for its care.
“We’re so thankful to our wonderful South Devon community for all the amazing support they give to their local hospice,”
says Rachael Bryett, Rowcroft’s Head of Fundraising.
“If you’d like to make a donation to our bed appeal, we will be truly grateful. Your support will help us to purchase the new beds that we need, enabling our patients to be as comfortable as possible through such a difficult time in their lives.”
To make a donation for Rowcroft’s Bed Appeal, please go to: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/beds or call 01803 217450. For further information about Rowcroft Hospice, please see their website at: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk
