Hospice appeals for funds to buy essential medication

The Welwyn Garden City-based hospice charity is raising 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 patients, only 30 per cent of the medication used at the Isabel Hospice In-Patient Unit is funded by the NHS.

This means on average Isabel Hospice must raise a staggering £70,000 each year to pay for the rest.

Conor Williams, senior individual giving officer at Isabel Hospice, said: “We are very lucky to be a part of the wonderful community of eastern Hertfordshire.

"The amazing people of the community have consistently shown up to support Isabel Hospice when we have needed their help, allowing us to be there when they have needed ours for over 40 years.

“Please consider making a donation to this appeal. The right medication can change everything for our patients, and every penny will make a difference.”

Anybody wishing to learn more about how to support the Isabel Hospice Medication Appeal should visit isabelhospice.org.uk/MedicationAppeal or call Isabel Hospice on 01707 954 850.

Hospice case study

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.”

Isabel Hospice appeals

The appeal is asking for donations to go towards medications that can provide pain relief, nausea relief, seizure relief, mental distress relief and more.

Isabel Hospice has launched its Medication Appeal (Image: Isabel Hospice)

Manisha, a clinical nurse specialist at Isabel Hospice, said: “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.”

Isabel Hospice (Image: Isabel Hospice)

In the last year, Isabel Hospice has cared for more than 1,500 patients affected by life-limiting illness as well as providing additional support to 500 plus family members.

The hospice provides its 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.

Isabel Hospice (Image: Isabel Hospice)

About Isabel Hospice

Isabel Hospice has been providing free palliative care to its patients and their families since 1982.

It provides support and care to people in eastern Hertfordshire who are affected by life-limiting illnesses through its Community Care Team of clinical nurse specialists and Hospice at Home service, In-Patient Unit, Living Well with Isabel hub, and its family and bereavement support service.

Isabel’s clinical teams work closely with other healthcare providers in the area, including care homes, hospitals and GP surgeries, improving access to services and sharing knowledge and expertise.