Everyone’s kindness and efforts towards Sophie’s wish to help other children is starting to make a difference… We cannot thank everyone enough for helping Sophie make this happen….. x
Two specially-equipped rooms for children have been opened in the Earl Mountbatten Hospice impatient ward. Thanks to all your fundraising events for KissyPuppy-The Sophie Rolf Fund the two rooms have been redecorated and furnished with specialist equipment. They will provide NHS staff with an alternative location to provide palliative care to youngsters with life-shortening conditions and that is down to all the fantastic efforts of all you wonderful people. Tina Harris, hospice chief executive, said: “Earl Mountbatten Hospice is in the unique position of being the only hospice on the Island and our vision is to ensure we are able to help anyone in our community who may need it.”
“Through collaboration with the NHS and the generous financial support from local organisations we are delighted to now be in a position to enhance the facilities to support the delivery of palliative care to children and young adults.”
Sophie’s dad Aaron said:
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported Sophie on her journey and has helped this to happen.”
“We are actively involved in the development of more children’s services for the Island and know from our own personal experience how vital it is that they are provided.”
Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) commissioner for children’s health services, Rachael Hayes, said:
“These two rooms will provide an alternative location for NHS staff to deliver palliative care to those affected by life-shortening conditions.”
“This will provide children and families with the option of having their care, provided by NHS staff, at home, in the rooms at the hospice or at another suitable location of their choosing.”
“I would like to thank all those involved with the work we are doing to extend the services available for children and young people with life shortening illness.”
The hospice is also supporting a family network of Island children and families affected by life-shortening conditions. It is working to improve the availability of services, information, advice and guidance for them through the hospice’s John Cheverton Centre. Any family who is, or has been affected by a child, teenager or young adult with a life shortening condition, is most welcome to join.