Hospice News

Patient Care Stories

In recent months, we've welcomed six local MPs through our doors, giving them the opportunity to see firsthand the compassionate, expert care we provide to patients and families every day. During these visits, our teams have described the services offered by the Hospice as well as sharing powerful stories of the difference hospice care makes - not just at the end of life, but in improving quality of life throughout serious illness. 

MPs from the areas covered by the Hospice - Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire -  have been invited to tour the Hospice, visit our stores and meet with staff and volunteers to gain an insight into the wide range of services we offer, from pain and symptom management, to emotional, psychological and spiritual support. These visits have also been a chance to speak candidly about the financial pressures we face as a charity. 

Darren Jones MP, Chief Executive Susan Hamilton and Claire Hazelgrove MP

Rises in National Insurance contributions combined with inflation and growing demand for care, place increasing strain on charitable resources. Engaging with policymakers is an important opportunity to highlight the essential role we play in the community, and why sustainable funding is more important than ever.  

Chief Executive Susan Hamilton with Claire Young MP

"We are incredibly grateful to the MPs who have taken the time to visit," said Susan Hamilton, Chief Executive of St Peter's. "Their willingness to better understand our work and taking the time to visit in person helps us amplify the message that hospice care is a lifeline. We're proud to provide high-quality, dignified care - but we can't do it alone." 

Chief Executive Susan Hamilton and Carla Denyer MP visiting one of our charity shops

These visits not only shine a light on the difference that hospices make for patients and their loved ones, but they also help us advocate for fairer, more sustainable funding for hospice services, and we are heartened to see our local representatives listening, understanding and championing the importance of hospice care.

Karin Smyth MP with Chief Executive Susan Hamilton 

To date we've hosted visits with Claire Hazelgrove, Labour MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, Darren Jones, Labour MP for Bristol North West, Claire Young, Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury and Yate, Karin Smyth, Labour MP for Bristol South, Damien Egan, Labour MP for Bristol North East, and Carla Denyer, Green MP for Bristol Central.  

We look forward to welcoming Sadik Al Hassan, Labour MP for North Somerset in August. 

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