How Ashgate Hospice is preparing a special Christmas despite its most challenging year

Visiting Ashgate Hospice at any time of the year can be a very special experience – but at Christmas staff and volunteers go out of their way to create a unique atmosphere.
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All patients can have a Christmas tree in their room and families are given the opportunity to put up decorations and create a ‘home from home’ for their loved ones.

The main reception, ward reception, sunroom and family room of the inpatient unit are also adorned with trees and festive sparkle, while young visitors are encouraged to take a selection box from under the tree.

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As the hospice comes to the end of one of the most challenging years in its history, staff say they are more determined than ever to create special Christmas memories for people whose illness means they may not see another one.

Registered nurse Della Davies.Registered nurse Della Davies.
Registered nurse Della Davies.

Barbara-Anne Walker, chief executive of the Chesterfield hospice, said: “It’s a lovely place throughout the year, but at Christmas we really do go out of our way to make it special.

"We are very much led by the patient, but if they want to recreate what it’s like at home we always try to accommodate that. We try to make it as special as it can be.”

This dedication can even include hosting Christmas as early as October for patients who are approaching the end of their lives and want to celebrate one more festive period with their families.

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"For younger members of the family it is all about creating memories which can last long beyond the life of their relative,” Barbara-Anne said.

Ward sisters Lynsey Bowes and Charli Liszka.Ward sisters Lynsey Bowes and Charli Liszka.
Ward sisters Lynsey Bowes and Charli Liszka.

Although restrictions around coronavirus mean this year is likely to be different to usual Christmases at the hospice, Barbara-Anne says it will be no less special.

"It will be quieter than usual,” she said. “Normally it is bustling with people and people bringing in pets and things like that.

"So it will be different, but that does not mean it will be any less special or our staff and volunteers will be working any less hard to make it as special as it can be.”

Ashgate Hospice staff are pulling out all the stops for Chrsitmas.Ashgate Hospice staff are pulling out all the stops for Chrsitmas.
Ashgate Hospice staff are pulling out all the stops for Chrsitmas.
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Up to 30 staff and volunteers will be giving up their own family lunches to work shifts on Christmas Day.

Inpatient Unit volunteer Paul Cocker, who lives in Chesterfield, first started volunteering for Ashgate 27 years ago, and leaves his wife, Joan, on Christmas morning to volunteer at the hospice.

“I am incredibly lucky to have such a supportive wife,” Paul said.

"She is happy for me to volunteer my time because she understands what a profound impact it has on me, and hopefully those I meet on the day.

Inpatients can have their own Christmas tree and decorate their rooms.Inpatients can have their own Christmas tree and decorate their rooms.
Inpatients can have their own Christmas tree and decorate their rooms.
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“I always wear lots of festive accessories, such as reindeer antlers, sparkly glasses and a badge that plays Christmas music. The patients and their families really enjoy it and it often provides some much-needed light relief.

“I have been told I have this ability, this gift, to lift people’s spirits. I’ve always been that way and it comes naturally to me. I know when people want to be left alone and I know when they want me to stay and cheer them up.”

Paul says that when he leaves his shift, he knows he ‘couldn’t do more’.

He added: "While there are a number of things only the clinical staff are allowed to do, there’s no ‘us and them’. We are one Ashgate team.”

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Sarah Warner spent Christmas Day 2017 at the hospice with her ‘amazing’ stepdad, Robert Holmes, who was in his last hours of life.

"It was the saddest situation, but the staff at Ashgate looked after him incredibly well,” Sarah said.

"They also took good care of my mum, Elaine Hardy, and me.

"They set us up a table in Rob’s room and served us with a beautiful Christmas dinner. It was so surreal eating and pulling crackers, but lovely at the same time.

"Our hero died the next day. I will always be forever grateful for their love and compassion.”

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A less well-known aspect of life at the hospice is the care Ashgate provides for people in the community – and here once again staff and volunteers pull out all the stops at Christmas time.

Barbara-Anne said: “Most of our patients are actually in the community. We take a box of chocolates to every single one of them at Christmas.

"For many patients, Christmas is a goal they have been working towards, knowing it may be their last Christmas. The goal is to be with their family and be as symptom-free as they can be.

“One patient wanted nothing more than to be well enough to help with the family tradition of putting decorations on the tree with his wife. It sounds like such a small thing but it’s such a special memory.”

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There are also many patients who use Ashgate’s services by visiting the Day Hospice where they can access physiotherapy, occupational therapy, benefits advice and spiritual support.

During the pandemic, much of this has been provided virtually, and staff are again determined that Christmas does not pass their patients by.

A virtual Christmas party will take place on December 23, with patients being sent party hats, Christmas bingo cards, song lyrics for a singalong, cracker jokes and a little festive treat.

Barbara-Anne says none of this would be possible without the support of people in Chesterfield and across north Derbyshire.

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The hospice estimates it has missed out on at least £2.4 million because of the pandemic and has launched a Winter Appeal to boost funds.

"There are many ways you can support the hospice,” Barbara-Anne said. “By making a donation, by using our community shops or by spreading the word about what we do.

"But most of all at the time of year we’d like to say thank you to the people of north Derbyshire for their support.

"None of this would be possible without you.”

For more information about the appeal, visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/winter-crisis-appeal/.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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