IN-DEPTH: WISHING TREE APPEAL


FOR PATIENTS IN CRISIS


HELP AT HAND


W 12 /Pulse


hile staff across the Trust work hard to make sure patients get the care they need, families carry a different kind of burden: sleepless


nights, weeks away from home, and enormous uncertainty.


In times of crisis, train fares and hotel bills are the least of our worries. But when a night in hospital turns into weeks and then months, the cost of simply being at the bedside can take its toll. Thankfully, help is at hand. You can make sure families stay together this Christmas and beyond by supporting


How does the hardship fund work?


Funding is available through the hardship fund to support patients and families who are in financial difficulty as a result of being in hospital. Only members of Trust staff may apply on behalf of a patient being cared for at one of its five hospitals.


Staff can apply for financial relief for their patients of up to £2,000. The money must be for a specific purpose to make a positive impact on the health and welfare needs of the patient. The Charity will consider applications to support patients with transport and accommodation costs, funeral expenses, childcare essentials and clothing, and other critical need items. Due to limited funds, the Charity is only able to award one grant per patient.


MAKING A DIFFERENCE


Helen Avila and Jo Williams have seen the difference the fund can make to families at times of terrible emotional distress. As the Trust’s family liaison sisters, they are the first port of call for the families of sick children, providing support during the grieving process and offering practical and financial assistance.


“It is every parent’s worst nightmare to have their child in intensive care,” says Jo. “But to then have to worry about money on top of that is almost unthinkable. When you can take away some of that burden it is such a relief.” Helen and Jo have applied for several grants from the hardship fund on behalf of patients, extending a lifeline to families in their hour of need.


Helen recalls one family who faced mounting living costs when their young son was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia. As costs piled up, the parents were sleeping separately, one by their son’s bedside, and the other in a nearby hotel. A grant from the hardship fund covered the accommodation and brought the family back together.


Imperial Health Charity’s Wishing Tree Appeal.


Every penny donated to the appeal will go towards the Charity’s hardship fund, which provides emergency grants of up to £2,000 to support patients and their families who are facing real financial difficulty.


Last year, £74,000 was awarded through the fund to cover specific costs resulting from a patient’s hospital care – everything from travel and accommodation to household bills, food and clothing.


“The money from the Charity was so important because it kept them together as a family unit at such a difficult time,” says Helen.


“They felt helpless. All they could do was be there for their son – so that’s what we made happen through the hardship fund.”


FINANCIAL SUPPORT AFTER A DEATH Sadly for some families, there is nothing doctors can do to save a loved one and they are suddenly faced with huge funeral bills. In these circumstances, the Charity can award grants of up to £2,000 to help cover the costs.


“When you tell a family there is financial help available after the death of a family member, you can sense their relief because that’s one thing they don’t have to worry about at such a sad time,” adds Helen.


The process of applying for support from the hardship fund is quick and easy – allowing staff like Helen and Jo to help the families of patients most in need. Decisions are made in two days and families typically receive the money in less than a week.


“The money cannot make someone well or bring a loved one back but it does help families feel well supported at an extremely distressing time,” Helen adds.


FOR MORE INFORMATION


The Wishing Tree Appeal runs until January 2018. To donate towards the appeal and write a bauble message for the Charity’s Christmas tree at each of our sites, visit www.imperialcharity.org.uk, call 020 3640 7766 or email fundraising@imperialcharity.org.uk


www.imperial.nhs.uk


For some patients, simply providing the best possible clinical care is sadly not enough. When severe illness strikes a family, it can bring real devastation and distress.


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