Learning about St Michael’s Hospice with the WI
We are all aware of St. Michael’s Hospice in Basingstoke, but do any of us know much about what happens there. Our perceptions are probably that it is a wonderful place for those who need it, but that it must be very sad, and fingers crossed, we will never need to access the services offered. Many also have a fear of the place.
Built in 1992 by the community for the community, the hospice is actually a joyful place. Fundraising manager Helena Maskell showed Hatch Warren WI a short film about the people using it and the activities taking place there, before telling us more about the role it plays within the community.
The facilities are available for anyone with a terminal illness, which covers motor neurone disease, and heart disease as well as cancer. The staff are calming and therapeutic care is available. The focus is very much on living; coming to terms with the changed situation and appreciating what is most important in life. Support is available as day care, with a craft room providing new skills, as well as access to holistic therapy and pampering sessions. It is an opportunity to make new friends, help keep you alive and make the most of the time you have. People attend for as long as they wish, services are also available to other family members who may not have time to get things done away from their loved ones.
For more seriously ill patients there are 10 inpatient rooms’ available, with additional space to accommodate loved ones and pets. The average stay as an in-patient is 11 days, and many people will return home at the end of that time. A Hospice at Home palliative care service is also available for patients in their own home.
It costs £3.6 million a year to run the hospice, of which less than 18% is received from government funding, leaving £3million to be raised by the hospice and other local fundraising activities. There are now 8 St. Michael’s Hospice shops in this area, selling quality goods. Money can also be raised through ragging, from old clothing not suitable for sale. The new Hospice Furniture Store at Chineham has proved very successful, where people can buy as well as donate items. As Helena pointed out, if your favourite furniture style is no longer available to buy, why not try a visit and find a piece of retro in keeping with yours!
St. Michael’s has over 750 volunteers who support in a variety of roles, along with 70 to 80 members of staff. Many have been there almost 20 years, from the beginning, but there are also new staff developing new services. Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, ages etc, including potential Doctors to gain experience. They save the hospice over £600,000 a year, and their skills are well utilised.
Macmillan nurses operate in Basingstoke, but Marie Curie do not. As a charity St. Michael’s Hospice is well aware that it has to compete with others for funds. It understands that people will choose their own charity, but as a local good cause we are lucky to have, it definitely deserves our ongoing support.
A few members of Hatch Warren WI have been involved with helping the hospice, and hopefully this article may encourage more people to do the same.
Please note that the Annual Meeting and WI Resolutions will be held on 9th May (NB Not first Thursday) at a member’s home and not at the Community Centre
Hatch Warren WI’s 20th Birthday Meeting will be held on 30th May in the main hall at the Centre
WI Meetings are usually held at the Hatch Warren Community Centre at 8:00pm on the 1st Thursday of each month
Visitors are always welcome and can contact Sandra for further details on 01256 469224
Full programme details are also listed on the website – www.hampshirewi.org.uk
