Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, has heard more about the wide range of care and support provided to terminally ill constituents and their families by Marie Curie, following a recent visit to the charity’s Newcastle Hospice.

Catherine was invited to visit the hospice, having met last month with her constituent Don Lowther to discuss Marie Curie’s Helper service, which matches trained volunteers with people living with terminal illnesses to provide them and their loved ones with companionship, emotional support and practical help.

During her visit, Catherine received a guided tour of the hospice’s day patient and inpatient facilities, including the recently-opened complementary therapy and relaxation area which has an Alnwick Garden theme, from Lead Nurse Michelle Scott.

The Newcastle North MP also heard about the spiritual care offered by Marie Curie Newcastle, as well as the different types of accommodation available to patients and their carers, including respite care, and took a particular interest in the emotional and practical support provided to young families during this difficult period in their life.

Each Marie Curie Hospice has a team of highly experienced staff, including doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors and therapists to meet the individual needs of patients and their families. Marie Curie’s hospices offer medical and nursing care; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; practical, psychological, emotional and spiritual support; and complementary therapies. Families and carers can also benefit from Marie Curie’s hospice services, which may include support groups, counselling and bereavement support.

Many of those spending time at the Newcastle Hospice attend day services to help them cope with their illness – attending for a few hours, or having a full programme of care and activities tailored to their needs, such as physiotherapy, emotional support and practical advice. Some of the day services offered at the Newcastle Hospice include complementary therapies such as aromatherapy and massage, gentle exercise, group activities including craft, baking and quizzes, and wellbeing programmes on living with cancer.

Patients can also benefit from staying at the hospice for a few days if they need extra medical care and attention, or to provide respite for families and loved ones. Marie Curie patients may also undertake a longer stay in the hospice when they are in the later stages of their illness, with flexible visiting hours arranged around their needs.

Following the visit, Catherine said:

‘I would like to thank Marie Curie’s hardworking team for taking the time to show me around their Newcastle Hospice.

‘This provided a real insight into the charity’s extensive services for people going through all stages of a terminal illness, and the wide range of different activities, care and support that the hospice offers.

‘This really is a beautiful facility which we are lucky to have in Newcastle, and it’s not hard to see why families across the region hold the hospice so close to their hearts.’

Michelle Scott, Lead Nurse at Marie Curie’s Newcastle Hospice, said:

‘It was lovely to welcome Catherine to the hospice and highlight the important work we do in caring for people who have a terminal diagnosis and their families.

‘It was particularly important for us to be able to share with Catherine our newly refurbished day therapy unit, which can make such a difference for people living with a terminal illness, and provides a place where they can come and be supported by a range of our staff when going through their individual journeys. We know that the hospice plays a huge part in the local community.’

More information about the care and support provided by Marie Curie’s Newcastle Hospice is available here.

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