Ahead of Dying Matters Week (5 - 11 May), we're launching our new strategy which aims to double the number of people we support within the next five years. Driven by research and stakeholder feedback, our strategy aims to address some of the key challenges and barriers faced by the Hospice:
The move is part of a renewed vision for St Peter's, to ensure more individuals receive the end of life care they deserve. Our new five-year strategy is also supported by a brand refresh, our first in over a decade.
As well as doubling our reach, we're also aiming to extend the length of time we care for patients, from the last weeks of life, to the last 12 months. We will also focus on delivering more of our services in the community, with input from those communities, and health and social care professionals, about what they want and need.
"Our vision is to transform the experience of death by bringing understanding, compassion, and care to those navigating this difficult journey," said our CEO Susan Hamilton.
CEO Susan Hamilton
"The UK is at a critical juncture, with a significant rise in the demand for end of life care expected in the years ahead.
"As the number of people needing end of life care grows, we are committed to providing them and their families with the compassionate care they need.
"While recent years have been challenging, we're now focused on an ambitious plan to expand our reach and support people earlier in their journey."
We provide free end of life care to adults in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset areas. Over 90% of care is delivered in the comfort of people's own homes, the rest is delivered at our Hospice in Brentry.
Our new strategy and look were developed in collaboration with employees, volunteers, supporters and the public, and aims to broaden our reach to address inequalities in end of life care.
The research which informed our new strategy highlighted the importance of earlier conversations about death and dying, and timely support to improve the experience of patients and their loved ones.
"Our priorities will include taking a leading role in conversations on death and dying, working in partnership with workplaces, schools, the NHS and the voluntary sector. We want to challenge myths about hospice care so everyone knows they can turn to us, and empower people to feel more able to talk about death and dying.
"We will also collaborate with other health and social care providers to identify and support patients earlier, and we'll embrace new technologies and continue to focus on innovation, because we know people are increasingly looking for information and support on digital platforms."
Our new strategy has also led to a rebrand, which Susan says is a way to break down some of the barriers to people accessing our support or making donations.
"Our research showed that one in three people didn't understand our work, many thought they had to pay for our services and nearly half didn't realise we cared for people in their own homes, when in fact, that's where 90% of our care is provided. Our brand was described as dated and not reflective of our range of services. By modernising how we look and sound, we can break down some of the misconceptions to increase our reach and income.
"We have always received fantastic support from the local community, and this is going to be more important than ever in making our ambitious plans a reality. We can't stop death. But together, we can make sure people get care that's right for them, when they need it."
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