At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), we celebrated City Hospice’s essential work and said thank you to all of our supporters for making our work possible.
Here’s a summary of the evening from our Chief Executive, Liz Andrews…
“It was my great pleasure to address guests at this year’s Annual General Meeting as the new Chief Executive at City Hospice. After just 10 weeks in post, I can already say wholeheartedly that this is a very special charity.
As part of the refurbishment of the hospice ground floor, we have been designing a timeline of the charity’s history, which will be displayed later this month. We’ve had great fun, searching through old records, looking at photographs and learning more about this great charity.
I was particularly struck by the philosophy statement which is featured in the 1987 Annual Report and it reads:
“Central to the philosophy of the Trust and the work of the Centre for Hospice Care is a belief in the dignity and value of all persons. This belief is shown in the care of those approaching death and those close to them. The Care offered, unites this with another belief which does not separate death and dying from life and living, but sees death as a part of life’s journey. Difficulties which may be experienced, can we feel, be eased by skilled, respectful continuing care. Such care, given in whatever environment is most appropriate, enables life to be lived even in the knowledge of approaching death”.
30 years on, the charity may have evolved, with a change in name and a few different faces, but the values and purpose of the charity remain constant.
I have seen the care and attention which the team give to our patients and their families. I have been privileged to join our Clinical team meetings, and listen to the respect and consideration which is given to every patient. Each patient is viewed as an individual, with thought given to their needs and family situation.
I have also had the opportunity to witness joy and celebration. This August we hosted our own Teddy Bear’s Picnic for those children who have lost a loved one; and where our team have helped them to cope with great loss. It was lovely to see these children enjoying themselves, playing, having fun and just being kids. City Hospice helped these children on this journey and it was a joy to see them doing so well.
Now that the ground floor refurbishments are nearing completion, we will be concentrating on creating our new I.T. Suite. In addition to creating opportunities to teach digital skills to patients, we are also looking to create a space which appeals to young people with life limiting conditions. In addition to the Young Adult Palliative Care clinics which we provide for this age group, we also want to create a facility which is engaging, with IT equipment that wouldn’t necessarily be found at home, where individuals can socialise, learn new skills and enjoy themselves. This is just one area that we can develop, to make the most of this wonderful facility we have at Ty Hosbis.
City Hospice has a unique position; created for the people of Cardiff, with heritage and a strong reputation for our services. Now we need to spread the word and tell stories about this very special charity. We’re going to need your help to achieve our ambitions, if you would like to get involved and support our work we have plenty of ways where you can be part of City Hospice.
Get in touch, and chat with a member of the team who will be happy to discuss your fundraising ideas or Tel: 029 20 524 150
I would like to thank everyone at City Hospice for their kind welcome, and to also thank all of our supporters for ensuring we can provide families in Cardiff with the care that they need in the most difficult of times. I feel privileged to be the Chief Executive of this essential charity, and I look forward to working with our extended team of staff, volunteers and supporters in the future.
Best Wishes,
Liz Andrews
Chief Executive
