This in from IW NHS in their own words. Ed
In 2010 the Island’s Clinical Commissioning Group carried out a service evaluation and identified gaps in the local respite provision, specific psychological services and option of hospice care for children at end of life.
The nearest palliative care provision for children is at Naomi House, Winchester. Although it is recognised as a fabulous resource, many Island families felt that it was too far, time consuming and expensive to travel.
The ‘Virtual Hospice’
The ‘Virtual Hospice’ which has been set up by the Island’s NHS Children’s Community Nursing Team, in collaboration with the Clinical Commissioning Group, offers support and care to families at a location of their choice following a devastating diagnosis. The term ‘virtual’ is used as the service does not operate from one location.
The team work with families in their homes to develop individualised care plans and support through respite and work closely with the YMCA psychology service who work with families from the point of diagnosis through to bereavement.
Becky Hepworth, Children’s Community Nurse Team Leader for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said:
“Collaborative working and inventive thinking has enabled us to provide a service that was previously unavailable to families on the Island. The health-led respite, psychological services and alternative option for end of life care were non-existent before 2010 and the option for families was a long, expensive trip to the mainland.”
Becky continued:
“The feedback we have received since we started has been overwhelmingly favourable. Families have said they feel supported and more able to cope with the tough times and to enjoy the good times. We are very proud of our achievements and the impact the service has already had and we continue to work with the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and local charities to expand provisions for children with life-limited conditions on the Island. We are really excited to have been recognised by the Nursing Times Awards as a finalist.”
Rachael Hayes, Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“For any service to be clinically effective and responsive to a family’s needs it has to be designed and delivered to respond to the immediate needs of its community; the virtual hospice gives children and families a choice of care at this difficult time. We are delighted for the Children’s Community Nursing Team to be recognised nationally and for Island families who are now benefiting from this unique service.”
The awards
All finalists will find out if they have won at the Nursing Times Awards 2014 on Wednesday 29th October at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
The majority of services provided by Isle of Wight NHS Trust are commissioned and funded by Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS England and Isle of Wight Council.
Image: artotemscounder CC BY 2.0
