Christmas Charity Focus: Cornwall Hospice Care
Who are Cornwall Hospice Care?
Cornwall Hospice Care are a Cornish charity that provides specialist care for people with terminal illnesses 24 hours a day, 7 days a well.
Their clinical teams support in and out patients and their families at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell, St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle and in Cornwall’s hospitals, care homes and in the community.
They also run a 24 hour advice line for other healthcare professionals, whilst sharing their skills and knowledge through various education programmes, supporting the healthcare workers of the future.
The Hospice’s History – Mount Edgcumbe
In the 1970’s, doctors involved in the treatment of cancer wanted to establish a unit in Cornwall which specialised in the relief of pain for patients. They dscussed those needs with the Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund, whose president was Lady Mount Edgcumbe.
The current Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell is the legacy of a remarkable woman, Mrs Enid Dalton-White MBE, who led the campaign to raise the funds needed to provide the first ever hospice in Cornwall.
Enid had nursed two husbands through cancer and was passionate about providing the right care. Her determined fundraising started when she opened her gardens in the village of Polruan to the public. With enormous commitment and dedication she worked tirelessly to find the money and on the 6th October 1980 she was finally rewarded, when the hospice opened it doors to patients for the first time.
The Hospice’s History – St Julia’s
In 1986 The Sisters of the Daughters of the Cross were instrumental in the opening of four palliative care beds in a private wing of St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle. By 1992 the project was extended to 7 beds and all were moved in to the main hospital building. By 1999 they had seen the completion of a purpose built hospice on the same site.
A great many people were involved in the fundraising project to build St Julia’s Hospice, including the fundraisers pictured above. They’ve all been involved with our charity for more than 25 years, many as part of the numerous fundraising groups that are dotted around Cornwall.
The Sisters of the Daughters of the Cross left St Julia’s Hospice in 1999. It was later signed over to Cornwall Hospice Care (registered charity number 1113140) when the current charity was formed in 2006.
A Royal Visit
On Thursday 17 September 2015 HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO visited Mount Edgcumbe Hospice to mark its 35th anniversary. During an hour long stay he met patients, members of staff and volunteers who work for the charity and those who have shared their personal stories as part of a special project aimed at helping people understand what goes on in Cornwall’s adult hospices.
Prince Edward was shown a special exhibition that told the story of Mount Edgcumbe and met two of the charity’s Trustees, Margaret Geake and her late husband Tony, who gave the land on which the hospice is built.
After visiting a number of in-patients, Prince Edward then met with many of the people who shared their stories as part of Cornwall Hospice Care’s #HospiceStories project.
In a short speech, Prince Edward thanked everyone for sharing their stories, congratulating them for taking part to help both the hospices and those who might need them in the future. He wished everyone good luck for the next 35 years and there were cheers and clapping as he cut a 35th anniversary cake with great flourish.
What is a Neighbourhood Hub?
At Cornwall Hospice Care they understand the issues around living with a terminal illness, whether you’re a patient, carer, family member or friend. Their Neighbourhood Hubs are a free service, there to help – to deliver care, rehabilitation and support to you in relaxed and informal surroundings, closer to your home.
Regular hubs are held in Wadebridge and Penzance, and also at the hospices in Hayle and St Austell. The Neighbourhood Hubs help patients to manage their symptoms, to reduce dependency and increase independence, and also to help answer questions about their condition or future planning. The hubs provide occupational therapy, physiotherapy and complementary therapy for patients undergoing palliative care, while complementary therapy is also available for their carers, free of charge.
The Director of Patient Services says; “The aim of our charity is to make as much difference as we can to people who are coping with a terminal illness. The Hubs allow us to take expertise, currently only available to our hospice patients, to others in the community much earlier in their disease.”
Patients and carers can be referred to the Hub via their GP or other healthcare professional, or can self-refer. Drop in to a hub for an informal chat, or call 01726 829874.
You can learn more about the Neighbourhood Hubs Here
Discover the Cornwall Hospice Care network of shops
With more than 30 shops across the county you are bound to find what you’re looking for by shopping at Cornwall Hospice Care.
We have 4 furniture stores that stock a range of high-quality donated items. You can find these stores in St Austell, Wadebridge, Penryn and Truro.
You can use the shop finder here to location the nearest shop to you
How can I support Cornwall Hospice Care?
Cornwall Hospice Care relies on the generosity of people just like you. However anyone chooses to support them, they will know that they are making a huge difference.
Take part in one of their many events
Become a member of their amazing team of volunteers
You can learn more about the fantastic work that this charity does on through their website with sections such as patients stories, fundraisers stories and a whole world of other information.
If you want to contact Cornwall Hospice Care directly, click here.
