Hospice

At the hospice in Colchester, staff and volunteers try to make the atmosphere as homely as possible for patients who are admitted. The maintenance team adds little extra sparkles such as putting up fairy lights around the hospice garden, and nurses, clinical staff and doctors sing carols outside.

Inside, the real trees, which were donated by Fred Smith Christmas Trees, are decorated while festive music plays along the corridor. 

Food is an important part of Christmas celebrations for many and the hospice keeps up the tradition with Debbie Spratt, hospice catering manager, (pictured right) and the kitchen team preparing a feast. Debbie: “At this time of the year the whole catering team pulls together to make festive meals for patients to enjoy. Everything is homemade, so in the run up to Christmas we’re making puddings and mince pies in between preparing the daily meals. It’s a real team effort because we know this could be someone’s last Christmas and we all want to make it extra special for them.”

Bereavement

For people missing a loved one at Christmas, Lorraine Blanking, bereavement service manager, [PHOTO SHH 012] understands this time of year can be difficult: “Christmas can be a magical time of year for adults and children alike, with the hope of a New Year full of peace and happiness just around the corner. For those that are grieving however, the thought of spending Christmas without a loved one or seeing in the start of a New Year together can leave them feeling overwhelmingly empty. Many clients choose to have a break from support during the festive period, while some feel the support gets them through this difficult time. Grief is often a lonely experience, but the St Helena Bereavement service ensures they do not have to be alone.”