Admiral nurse

Appeal launched to help Hospice support Dementia patients

Thanks to Erika for this latest news from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Ed


A fundraising appeal has been launched to bring an Admiral Nurse to Earl Mountbatten Hospice (EMH), to help support patients and families affected by Dementia.

Chief Executive Nigel Hartley said Islanders had already begun to raise much-needed funds towards the specialist role, and that he hoped the position would be filled in January 2016. Dementia UK, supported by the Island community, are hoping to raise £100k to secure the nursing role on a pilot project, for at least two years. Dementia UK hold funds already raised by Islanders at around £50k.

He said,

“We are very fortunate that a hugely enthusiastic and passionate group of Islanders are taking the reins and organising all sorts of events and fundraising initiatives to help raise further funds towards the EMH Admiral Nurse Appeal.

“Dementia is a frightening and often misunderstood illness for both those living with it and also their families and carers, and we must do all we can to ensure Islanders affected by Dementia are well-supported and cared for both now and into the future. It is increasingly the business of EMH to ensure that we can offer appropriate and timely support in partnership with other Island agencies.”

Lady Sally Grylls, a champion for Dementia care on the Island, said,

“I am really delighted that Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Dementia UK have joined together to raise funds to appoint and train an Admiral Nurse to be hosted by the Hospice. The Admiral Nurse will work alongside the Hospice nursing team serving in both the Hospice inpatient unit and in the community.”

Lady Grylls added,

“Many cancer patients are also challenged by memory loss. Dementia sufferers get cancer. A partnership between Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Admiral Nurses on the Isle of Wight will be a lifeline to sufferers of both cancer and Dementia and their carers.”

Fundraising events raising money for the appeal include a Family Fun Day at Northwood House on Monday, 31 August.