Seventy-four-year-old Sue Gray has spent her life looking after patients and their families – and the challenges of Covid have not deterred the retired nurse from reaching out to others. She lost her own husband to cancer 11 years ago, says: “Since lockdown I have been making about 14 calls every week, phoning people who would usually attend the bereavement group or the Carers Cuppa.”
With a focus on storytelling through photography, the 'Snapshot' project enabled our Wellbeing patients to document their experience of lockdown and provide a snapshot into their lives during this unusual time.
ITV Meridian and South East coverage of the new rendition for silent night in support of our hospice .
For over six years, Sam Politt has been a Children’s Care Assistant at ellenor. Friends ask her how she copes with her challenging, sometimes emotional work – especially given that she’s got a nine-year-old daughter herself. She says, “My role is to look after children who, despite illness, are most often cheeky, smiley and bouncy – just like every child is.”
Bringing expertise from London hospitals direct to children in their own homes is an under-recognised service that forms the foundation of care provided by ellenor. Thanks to this partnership approach, many children under ellenor’s care in Kent can make fewer journeys and spend less time attending hospitals in London for their appointments.
There are times when a mother’s instinct really can be a lifesaver. As a mum of three, Carrie Wilson knew her baby daughter Grace was suffering from something way beyond the usual illnesses.
With more and more children having a life-limiting condition, how to help them live well with the time they have available is the ellenor mantra. As each child is different and their needs are unique, ellenor works in partnership with them and their families to create a bespoke support service throughout their lives and beyond.
“You never know what’s going to come your way – but there are certainly some situations you don’t imagine you’ll have to face as a teen. One minute I was your usual fifteen years old – friends, family, studying and having a great time with friends; then the rug was pulled from under my feet."
For Nicola Norris and her husband Lee, we have been a lifeline in providing them with a whole range of services to help support and stimulate their six-year-old son, Jensen.
One Northfleet family has experienced for themselves the vital support that we offer in all sorts of circumstances – including the current pandemic - and to both children and adults.
For children especially, grief can be a massive, bewildering issue. Fail to help them deal with it, and the implications for those children and young people.
We are pleased to announce that Vikki Harding has been appointed to permanent Chief Executive with immediate effect.
“The patient-centred approach is essential in improving lives. We are adapting our services to help our patients make the most of the time they have left. Our patients want and need to be involved in their own care that gives them as much control as possible.” - Dr Russ Hargreaves
“Demand for our services is ever increasing. As a result, we have reached a point where our facilities are restricting us from providing outstanding care, we need to extend and redevelop our hospice building.” - Vikki Harding, CEO
“Christmas can be a wonderful time for many, but we are reminded every year of how difficult it can be for some. It is a real milestone for friends and families after a loss and we recognise the importance of stopping for a moment and celebrating the lives of our loved ones”.
Children receiving care at ellenor hospice in Gravesend have received a donation of life-changing technology worth thousands of pounds from children’s charity Lifelites.
When children are unable to articulate what death means to them, music therapy can help them process the feelings of grief and pain that the loss of a parent inevitably brings.
We all know how good it can be to chat over a cuppa – especially during tough times.
ellenor has been awarded the highest possible rating for the safety, quality and hygiene standards of its food catering services.
Take on ellenor’s Accumulator Challenge to raise vital funds for local families facing terminal illness.
