New service launch is highlight of 2023 for Blythe House

Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust launched its Roaming Car service in June, providing care through the night, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to patients with life-limiting illnesses across North Derbyshire.

Since the pilot started the service has completed over 330 consultations for more than 120 patients.

Many of these visits are for people needing urgent medications in the night and will have avoided the need for ambulance transfers, A&E department input, or hospital admission; keeping patients where they wish to be: in the comfort of their own home.

Shane O’Reilly, Blythe House hospice CEO, said: “Thanks to unwavering dedication from our staff, volunteers, patrons, fundraisers and supporters, we have helped more local patients and families this year than ever before.

“Our Hospice at Home, Community Hub and Counselling teams have continued to work closely together to provide the highest level of care to our patients and their families, including children.

"Importantly, we’ve continued to develop these services over the last year, ensuring that everyone who needs our care can access it at the

earliest opportunity from diagnosis, right through to bereavement.”

The charity’s fundraising events, five high street shops and eBay online store have continued to thrive, with support from donors and shoppers as positive and kind as ever.

In 2024, the charity is looking forward to opening its brand-new shop in Matlock.

The hospice also started its journey alongside Derbyshire LGBT+ towards Rainbow Accreditation.

Shane added: “A special thanks goes to our hugely respected volunteers who support us every single day of the year. It has been said before, but we quite simply would not be able to do what we do without them.

“‘I’d also like to say a genuine thank you to everyone who has supported the hospice throughout 2023.

“Your commitment to the cause is plain to see; in everything that we have achieved together throughout this very special year.”

The hospice is gearing up to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2024 with special events including a gala ball at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton.