More able to die in comfort at home as Derbyshire charities join forces

The charities have joined forces to help more patients across north east Derbyshire.

Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, based in Chapel-en-le-Frith and Bakewell respectively, have been working closely together since April throughout lockdown.

Together they have delivered more than 1,800 hours of care to patients across the Derbyshire Dales and north east Derbyshire, in addition to those in the High Peak, who have life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and motor neurone disease.

After receiving 120 patient referrals from April to August this year, 75 patients died in the comfort of their own home with their loved ones by their side – achieving a 100 per cent outcome for the patient’s preferred place of death.

Research has also found that hospices could help reduce hospital deaths by 50,000 every year, generating £80million of savings for the NHS.

Tim Mourne, chairman of the Blythe House Hospicecare board of trustees, said: "Over the last year, it has become more and more apparent that Blythe House and Helen’s Trust would be stronger together; ensuring better value from joint resources, and most importantly, reaching more local people who need us.

“I am delighted to announce that Janet Dunphy, chief executive at Blythe House Hospicecare, has officially taken on the management of both charities, following the retirement of the former Helen’s Trust CEO earlier this year, and she will continue to lead the merged organisation.”

Dr Louise Jordan, founding trustee of Helen’s Trust, added: “Blythe House and Helen's Trust are both strong and aspiring local charities whose shared vision is to support more and more people, to have the choice to stay and die in their own home. Working together accomplishes this and provides a very high standard of care.

“We are so incredibly glad that over the last year we have forged such strong links with Blythe House who share the same purpose and values.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has hit us like a tornado but a clear sentiment between the two charities is that together, we are stronger.”