Derbyshire charities joining forces to provide more hospice at home care for patients

Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, based in Chapel-en-le-Frith and Bakewell respectively, have been discussing their organisational compatibility for over 12 month.

And this formal partnership is the natural progression of the special relationship.

The charities have been working closely together since April, delivering more than 1,800 hours of care to patients across the Dales and North East Derbyshire, in addition to those in the High Peak.

After receiving 120 patient referrals from April to August 2020, 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.

The need for this fundamental care in patient’s homes has never been clearer.

A survey found that 82 per cent of people wanted to die at home, but 50 per cent of us die in hospital.

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

Janet Dunphy, chief executive at Blythe House Hospicecare, has officially taken on the management of both charities and will lead the merged organisation.

She commented: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to oversee this incredibly exciting partnership, to ensure that everyone in our community can receive the best Hospice at Home care.’

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

Referral processes for both charities will remain the same and can be made by calling 01298 813007 or 01298 811770 for Blythe House and 07780 331715 for Helen’s Trust.

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