The Ayrshire Hospice is a recognised charity and is registered as a company limited by public guarantee. Since opening in 1989 the scale and diversity of care provided has grown steadily and now, in addition to in-patient care for up to 20 patients, the Hospice Specialist Multi Professional Team provide Day Care (Out Patients), Lymphoedema Management, Home Care provided by both Nursing and Medical staff, Bereavement Support, Social Work, Chaplaincy and Education in Palliative Care. In addition, sessions in Palliative Medicine are provided to the Local Acute Trust.

In its first year of operation, 1989/90, the Hospice received 236 patient referrals from local General Practitioners and Hospital Consultants. This figure has grown steadily to the present level of 790 hospice referrals and 852 hospital referrals in the year 2007/2008.

All care is provided at no cost to the patient or their families, and referral is based purely on patient need.

In-Patient Unit

The unit has 20 beds arranged as single, double and shared rooms, as well as all the additional facilities needed to care for this group of highly dependent patients. In addition the purpose built facility has day rooms, verandas, a quiet room, and an overnight facility enabling families and carers to remain with a patient if desired.

Day Hospice

The Day Hospice is open from Monday-Friday providing day care for sixteen patients daily. The service gives patients the opportunity to access any member of the multi professional team and associated services and to socialise, participate in activities, and talk over any problems or concerns. Transport is provided by volunteer drivers.

Community Palliative Care Nursing Service

This specialist advisory service provides expertise in symptom control as well as emotional support for patients and their families. All members of the home care team work closely with GPs, District Nurses and other health care professionals to support patients and their families at home.

Hospital Palliative Care

Sessions in Palliative Medicine are supplied to the local Acute hospitals in Ayr and Crosshouse. The consultants in Palliative Care work closely with hospital staff in an advisory capacity to support patients in their care.

Funding

The cost of providing care rises each year. We currently have a revenue balance of some £3.3m – equating to £9,041 per day, which requires to be fundraised from voluntary sources.

The funds raised through the Ten Peaks Charity Challenge will help The Ayrshire Hospice continue to care.

April 16th, 2008 12:33 HIGH

COMMISSIONER PRAISES MAI

The Nigerian Acting High Commissioner to the UK has praised MAI's work at Vom Hospital. "At a time when you should have been leaving, you came to our aid," he said. "Keep going."

His words were spoken in a gathering at the Nigerian Embassy during the recent UK visit of Mr Barnabas Dusu. He is the Chairman of Vom Hospital Enterprises. His visit was to assist MAI inraising funds to etend the Vom Guest House, a successful first stage of our income generation plans. Good progress has been made and we hope that the extension will be begun in the coming months, so as to enhance the sustainable funds available to employ a surgeon and related staff members. Full Article