Jill Davidson, a mother from Newcastle, has publicly praised the 'vital' respite care provided by St Oswald's Hospice for her 10-year-old daughter Lucy, who has complex medical needs requiring round-the-clock two-to-one care. Lucy spends around two nights each month at the hospice's children's and young adults service, which offers specialist care, emotional support, and end-of-life care for those aged 0 to 25 with life-limiting conditions.
Family's Lifeline
Speaking at a preview event for this year's Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne public art trail, a collaboration between the hospice and creative producers Wild in Art, Jill said: "The support is absolutely massive for us as a family. The only other place, outside of home, Lucy spends a night is the hospital. Because of the needs she has, she can't stay a night with family members or friends or anything like that."
Lucy's health can be precarious, but the hospice care provides a safe environment where she can enjoy herself. Jill added: "The hospice support shows her that going and spending the night away can be fun - St Oswald's treat the child as though they're their own grandchild - they're spoiled rotten!"
Break for Parents
The regular respite allows Jill and her husband to rest. "For me and her dad though, it's a vital break. Lucy requires 2:1 care - and it's 24 hours - so this allows us to take some time to rest," she said. The hospice also offers emotional support for the whole family, especially during hospital stays. "When Lucy has been very poorly in hospital, when we are speaking to the likes of the palliative care team, there's always someone from St Oswald's happy to be on the end of the phone," Jill noted.
Service Reach and History
The children's and young adults service has been running for more than 20 years, while the wider hospice celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. It serves families from Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Durham City, Chester-Le-Street, and Derwentside.
During Children's Hospice Week in June, Angela Egdell, director of care services, reflected on the service's success: "St Oswald’s Hospice has been here for local people and families for 40 years, and that has only been possible because of the kindness and generosity of our community. Children’s Hospice Week is an opportunity to help more people understand what children’s hospice care can mean. It is specialist care, emotional support, quality time, and helping families feel supported during some of the most difficult moments they may ever face."
Funding and Future
Egdell also highlighted the need for sustainable hospice funding: "As conversations continue nationally around palliative and end of life care, we welcome recognition that hospice funding needs to be more sustainable. It is vital patients and their families remain part of that conversation. Local support also remains vital in helping us care for families now and in the future. Every donation, fundraiser, volunteer hour and act of kindness helps us continue to be there for babies, children, young adults and families when they need us most."
Peter Rabbit Art Trail
The Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne art trail is the hospice's fourth public art trail, following Shaun the Sheep, Elmer the Elephant, and the Snowdogs. The large sculptures will be displayed over two months this summer and then auctioned to raise funds for the charity.
