Kirkwood Hospice - Serving Local People

A BIG thank you is being sent to all those across Kirklees who have supported Kirkwood Hospice over the years.

As the hospice marked its 20th anniversary of opening on 17th March 2007, staff and patients expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped raise the necessary funds to maintain hospice services from year to year.

Garry Wilkinson, fundraising and marketing manager for Kirkwood Hospice, says everyone is finding it difficult to believe that the hospice has been established for 20 years. The day in February 1986 when the first stone was laid now seems a distant memory to all those who have been associated with Kirkwood over the years.

Since those early days, fundraising has continued day after day, week after week and year after year to maintain this vital facility for people living across the whole of Kirklees.

Supporters have worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds at coffee mornings, with sponsored events, in hospice shops and so much more. Together they have raised the millions of pounds necessary to keep Kirkwood Hospice running all these years to provide care for those people in the area living with life threatening illnesses.

Garry said: "I know from talking to people who have been associated with Kirkwood for many years that local people have been totally dedicated in their support."

"Of course the hospice receives a certain percentage from the local Primary Care Trust towards its running costs - around 20% annually - but the rest, over £2.7million in 2007, has to be raised by people living locally.'’

Today the hospice facility includes 16 in-patient beds, as well as day care services open four days a week in the hospice’s Support & Therapy Centre.

There is also a drop-in service every Friday and people living on the outskirts of Kirklees can also access drop in facilities at Rosewood Medical Centre at Dewsbury District Hospital.

Garry said: “The facilities in Dewsbury make it a little easier for people who live further out of town and don’t have transport to benefit from hospice care.’’

Kirkwood Hospice also offers bereavement services via its Family Care Team, which includes the “Kirkwood Koalas” for bereaved children. There is also a team of three palliative care nurses, providing advice and support in patients’ own homes.

“Many people who are terminally ill prefer to stay at home where they are surrounded by their families. Being admitted to the hospice is not the right choice for everyone.

“Contrary to popular belief, a hospice is not only a place where people stay at the end of their lives.  Hospice services have developed over the years and pain and symptom management is an important part of the care now provided by hospices.  This means that patients may visit the hospice several times as their illness progresses.”

“Of course, we have a limited number of beds available and so we work very closely with local GPs and hospitals to maximise the availability of beds, ensuring the facilities are there for the people who need them most.”

“The other misconception is that hospices are only for cancer patients. Although the majority of hospice patients will have cancer, the hospice also cares for people with other life threatening illnesses like advanced heart disease or motor neurone disease.’’

Garry said during the last 20 years, hundreds and thousands of local people have made their own personal contributions to the hospice.

“There are, of course, too many to mention.  We can only thank them all and hope that through their continued support the next 20 years will be equally successful.’’

If you want to make a contribution please click here, or ring the hospice on 01484 557911.

Remember the hospice needs to raise over £2.7million in voluntary donations each year to maintain its services. Why not play your part and make a contribution or organise a fundraising event?

 

Staff and Volunteers top

HOSPICE volunteer Betty Lloyd first got involved with Kirkwood when she joined her local hospice support group in Beaumont Park.

Now one day every week she comes into the hospice to help count the contents of collecting boxes which are handed in from all over Kirklees.

"People are very generous and contribute all the time. Obviously all this money which is collected across the area has to be counted and sorted.

"Often when I tell people that I work here, many of them say they would imagine it a very difficult place to work but it is a very calm and peaceful atmosphere and there is a lot of laughter. I really enjoy my one day a week here.''

The Kirklees area has a whole network of support groups, like the one Betty joined all those years ago, raising money with all kinds of events.

 

SENIOR Sister Gillian Hinchliffe works at the very heart of hospice care, often nursing terminally ill patients through the final days of their lives.

Gillian, from Dalton, is responsible for the nursing care of both in-patients and for those being treated in Kirkwood's Support and Therapy centre.

Working at Kirkwood since the very beginning, her links with the hospice began when as a mother of young children, she began working for a nursing bank. As her family grew, she applied for a permanent nursing role and has worked her way up to Senior Sister.

She said: "Contrary to popular belief, hospices are very happy places. There are inevitably sad times of course but patients often tell me they feel safe and relaxed here. Patients often come here to get their symptoms and pain relief under control and then return home.''

Most of the time the hospice's 16 beds are occupied. Some patients stay for just a day or two while others stay for a few weeks.

"After all these years I still enjoy my work and get a lot of satisfaction from helping patients and their families through very traumatic times  .After all, working with terminally ill people, means nursing staff only get one chance to help them make the most of their final days. As an individual I have to do my best for them.''

 

AS Director of Finance and Administration, Hilary Turner has worked at Kirkwood Hospice since 1987. Two months before the hospice opened to patients, Hilary was already in her post as a part-time member of staff, ready to look after the essential non-clinical services such as finance, administration and maintenance. It’s a job that has grown over the years and Hilary, from New Mill, has always loved her role within the hospice. “I knew the job would be a challenge but working here was something I really wanted to do. The team here is great and we all respect each other’s roles and everyone’s contribution.’’

 

VOLUNTEER auxiliary nurse Mary Stenson first became involved with Kirkwood after her friend died in St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds.

"I was so impressed with the hospice care I had witnessed that I decided to apply to volunteer in 1987, about six months after Kirkwood first opened,'' said Mary who travels to the hospice one morning a week from her home in Mirfield.

"As a volunteer I have always been welcomed by both staff and patients and I like to think I have made a difference.

"Anyone can volunteer so why not give it a try? From my experiences I would advise anyone to volunteer. An individual can get an awful lot of satisfaction from just one morning, afternoon or one day a week,'' said Mary.

Remember there are all kinds of roles available for volunteers who can make a huge difference to patient's lives.

 

AT the age of 83, Vera Drake is one of the oldest volunteers working at Kirkwood Hospice.

Vera, of Kirkheaton, is also one of the original eight people who met at the home of David Stocks in June 1981 to discuss the possibility of launching a local hospice appeal.

She said: "During the meeting we all decided to contribute 50p to launch the appeal but ended up with £4.50 because earlier Mr Stocks' dog had found 50p on the pavement during an evening walk. This went in to the collection as well!''

Vera says she is very proud of those early days when the people of Huddersfield threw their support behind the hospice appeal.

"To think what we achieved is really quite remarkable when you see how the wonderful work that the hospice does on a day to day basis, helping both in-patients, their families and day patients,'' said Vera.

Her late husband Leonard, who sadly died of cancer 11 years ago, spent two periods of time in the hospice himself during his illness.

Vera, who works one morning a week in the hospice's Support and Therapy Centre, became involved after a friend died of a brain tumour. She sadly had to spend her final days on a geriatric ward among elderly people suffering from strokes etc.

"It was so sad to see her spending her final days isolated and lonely on a ward with elderly people. At the time of her death I thought there must be a better way to nurse people with terminal illness,'' said Vera.

 

KEY DATES top

Kirkwood Hospice: 20 years of history

1981
Appeals launched in Huddersfield and Dewsbury to raise the money for hospices in Kirklees 

1982
23rd June: The Kirklees Hospice Society Ltd was formed

1983
The Dewsbury Hospice Appeal officials agree to support the Huddersfield Hospice Appeal Fund to combine to build one hospice for Kirklees

1984
20th July: planning permission for the new hospice granted by Kirklees Council

1986
19th February: the foundation stone for the hospice was laid by Mr David Stocks & Dr Alan Barlow MD

10th November: the Kirklees Hospice Society Ltd became Kirkwood Hospice after a public competition to choose the name of the new hospice was held

1987
17th March: Kirkwood Hospice opened with a 10-bed in-patient unit, providing palliative care for patients throughout Kirklees

During June Day Care opened, increasing the breadth of care provided at the hospice

1988
During January the first permanent hospice shop opened in King Street, Huddersfield

27th April: the first anniversary of Kirkwood was marked by an official visit by HRH Duchess of Gloucester

1989
The hospice acquired its first ambulance.  The £14,000 cost was funded by Pendragon Round Table

1990
Kirkwood Hospice cared for its 1000th in-patient

1991
An extension was built to improve day care facilities and increase space for Kirkwood’s expanding team.

1992
18th February: Following his visit to the hospice Martyn Lewis, writer, journalist & broadcaster writes, “Hospice is happiness - the greatest coming together of all that is warm, friendly and good in a community.  It is the ultimate model of care that many envy, and all seek to follow!  Keep up the good work!”

The second hospice shop is opened, in Batley

1993
Kirkwood Hospice cared for its 2000th in-patient

“A Day in the Life of Kirkwood Hospice” video produced by Humanities students at Huddersfield University; used as a teaching aid for the hospice and its supporters

The third hospice shop is opened, in Cleckheaton

1994
The hospice purchased “The Lodge” at the entrance to its site.  This enabled Kirkwood to develop its Family Care Team, providing bereavement services to families and carers in an informal and homely environment.  The Fundraising Department moved into the upper floor of the building

The fourth hospice shop is opened, in Heckmondwike

1995
The Hospice shop in Hudderfield relocates from King Street to larger premises in Byram Street

1996
Kirkwood Hospice cared for its 3000th in-patient

The fifth hospice shop is opened, in Holmfirth

1997
£760,000 was raised to fund the Day Care extension and Education suite. This not only enabled Kirkwood to expand its Day Care & respite care facilities, but to provide improved facilities for palliative care education and training.

By moving Day Care into its own purpose built extension, this also enabled Kirkwood to increase its in-patient beds to 16.

Kirkwood Hospice website created and launched by Adrian Jones

1998
HRH Duchess of Gloucester returned to Kirkwood to officially open the new Day Care Centre and Education Department

1999
Kirkwood Hospice cared for its 4000th in-patient

December: The first turf was dug for Rosewood, our drop-in centre in Dewsbury for patients affected by life threatening illness and their carers

2000
25th September: Rosewood is officially opened

28th November: Elmwood in Holmfirth was officially opened to provide a convenient drop-in service for patients and carers living in the Holme Valley

The sixth hospice shop is opened, in Dewsbury

2001
Kirkwood won the “best use of events in fundraising” category in the ICFM & Professional Fundraising Magazine Award for its Millennium Madness campaign, during which, amongst other events, Castle Hill was wrapped in sunflower banners painted by local school children

The seventh hospice shop is opened, in Mirfield

2002
Kirkwood Hospice cared for its 5000th in-patient

The Drop-in service was launched in Day Care at Kirkwood and at Elmwood to extend services to patients from diagnosis onwards and their carers

2003
18th July: The new Family Care Team building was opened by Rt Hon Betty Boothroyd to provide purpose built facilities for bereavement counselling, complementary therapies and chaplaincy

2004
Day Care was re-named the Support & Therapy Centre, to reflect the changes and developments in the care provided to patients.  “Express yourself” and “next steps” programmes commenced in the centre

2005
March: The eighth hospice shop is opened, in Lindley

Kirkwood Hospice cared for its 6000th in-patient

Kirkwood gained national recognition when it was named in the Nursing Times top 100 employers of nurses and was awarded top small employer of nurses

2006
14th April: The ninth hospice shop is opened, in Milnsbridge

June: Hospice held its first open day for carers event in Support & Therapy

3rd November: The tenth hospice shop opened, in Almondbury

2007
Kirkwood named in the Nursing Times top 100 employer of nurses awards for the second consecutive year

April: The eleventh hospice shop opened in Honley

23rd June: Over 470 supporters took part in the hospice's first Midnight Memory Walk, raising over £50,000

Events held this year top

Saturday May 19 -  Gala Concert for Kirkwood’s 20th Year at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Sunday May 20 - Examiner Charity Challenge.

Saturday June 2 - Tea @ 3 launch party at Kirkwood Hospice (3pm-5pm).

Saturday June 16 - 20 Anniversary Ball at The Galpharm Stadium.

Saturday June 23 -  Midnight Memory Walk sponsored by Premier Health Benefits.

Sunday July 15 - 20 Anniversary Summer Fair (incorporating Open Gardens) at Kirkwood Hospice (12pm-4.30pm).This will be sponsored by Kingsmill Carpets and Villa Parade.

Thursday October 4 to Saturday October 13  - China Trek.

Saturday October 6  - Flag Day.

Saturday October 13 - Ladies Luncheon at Cedar Court Hotel.

Saturday November 10 - Winter Ball at The Venue, Bowers Mill, Barkisland.

Friday November 16 - Christmas Gift Fair at Kirkwood Hospice (5pm-8pm),.

Sunday November 18 - Christmas Gift Fair and Santa at Kirkwood Hospice (12pm-4pm).

Friday December 7 - Jail N Bail at Lounge 68, Huddersfield.

Saturday December 8 - Light up a Life service, United Reformed Church, Dewsbury (12.30pm).

Sunday December 9 - Light up a Life service at Kirkwood Hospice (4.30pm).

20/20 Challenge

 

New name for hospice weekly lottery top

FOR seven years the weekly lottery run by Kirkwood Hospice has been a vital part of its annual fundraising activities.

The 2000 Club, as it has previously been known, was launched on January 17, 2000 and since then it has raised over £700,000 for the hospice. All profit is used to benefit patients receiving care at Kirkwood and the `club' currently has over 2,200 players.

When Mrs Alice Wardell of Scholes won the £500 jackpot she was in the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital recovering from a major operation.

"I couldn't believe it, but I was absolutely delighted. It gave me a great boost when I was poorly in hospital,'' she said.

Mrs Wardell has seven children and 14 grandchildren and plans to share her winnings with the family and buy a picture of Bluebell Wood where she used to walk on her way to school.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations however, the 2000 Club is being renamed as the Kirkwood Hospice Lottery. The prize fund will be increased and from April 2007 the lottery will have a weekly first prize of £750, a second prize of £100, third prize £50 and five further prizes of £20 (well, it is the 20th anniversary year).

All current 2000 Club players do not need to do anything - payments will continue to be collected in the usual way and members will be entered into the draw each week as normal. The only difference is that the prize money is higher.

If you are not already a player, but want to join, then all you need to do is complete the form on this page and send it to the hospice with your bank details or cheque payment of £13 for 13 weeks of play.

You will then receive your own membership card, including your own membership number and you will be entered into the draw.

If you win, you will receive your winning cheque by post - so there is no risk of you missing out on any winnings. Don't forget that every penny of profit from the lottery is used to maintain services at Kirkwood, caring for patients throughout Kirklees.

Last year alone the lottery raised £110,000 for the hospice. Please help us to increase this annual amount by completing the form and becoming a member of Kirkwood Hospice Lottery today.

Go on give it a go! You could be the next lucky winner!

SHOPS top

Kirkwood Hospice opened its first shop in Huddersfield in 1988.  Since then, the shop network has expanded and in March 2007, Kirkwood opened its 11th shop, in Honley. The shops sell a wide range of clothing, books, household items and bric-a-brac and some sell items of furniture. The hospice also has a furniture warehouse, adjacent to its shop in Lindley, where items of furniture can be viewed.  Donations of good quality items are always welcome and these can be made via any of its shops, or at the hospice itself. For larger items of quality furniture, the hospice can organise a collection service (please call Hazel on 01484-452874 for details).

The shop network raises vital funds to assist the hospice in providing care.  In 2006, the shops contributed over £870,000 in income towards the £3.2million that Kirkwood must raise every year in order to maintain its services. The hospice would like to thank all shoppers and everyone who has donated items to sell in helping it to achieve these wonderful results and hopes for your continued support in 2007. For shop details please click here