AS the team of dedicated professionals, care specialists, staff and volunteers at Lewis-Manning Hospice move forward together to develop and plan a new future, caring for patients with life limiting illness and their families across east Dorset, is at the forefront of our minds. It is time for us to expand our Board of Trustees and we hope that this important voluntary role will be of interest to key people from within our community.

Local businesses and individuals may have heard that with regret, we have recently made the difficult decision to close one of our local services, our six inpatient bedded unit.

Our decision to move forward in this way was not taken lightly. Following consultations with staff and talks with other local hospice care and related services, health care providers and commissioners, our Board concluded, reluctantly, that the inpatient beds were not sustainable, due to lack of funding.

Sadly, we have recently said goodbye to wonderful employees who, during their time with us, worked tirelessly to care for over 120 patients on our In Patient Unit, at the end of their lives.

Looking to the future, we will remain focused on providing important care and support to local people across east Dorset and we hope to increase the number of people that we help through our Day Hospice and clinics, including better breathing, lymphedema, art and wellbeing, plus practical support groups. Together we will deliver more than 5,000 sessions for people with life limiting illness each year.

As the only independent hospice in the area, offering free palliative care to the people across east Dorset, our vision is that every adult in east Dorset with a life limiting illness, can choose how they receive their care. With over 25 years of experience and history supporting people in the area, with a range of services run by our team of palliative care nurses and health care professionals, we hope that local people and businesses, will be inspired to continue their kind support.

Having volunteered as a Trustee of a UK charity for a number of years, I speak from experience when I say that one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences that I have had in my career, is working with people whose values reflect my own and where my time can make a significant difference to the lives of those who need help and support.

I have recently taken on the role of Chief Executive at Lewis-Manning Hospice and would like to invite readers to consider joining me as we move Lewis-Manning forward and ask you to consider becoming a Trustee of our charity.

We are looking for people with commercial, clinical, retail, human resources and marketing skills. What does the Trustee role mean? If you have any of the above skills and would like to make a real difference to the lives of local people with life limiting illness, please get in touch. Help me to shape the future of this much-loved charity.

I look forward to chatting with you so I can explain more about the role, you can call me on 07494 691372 or email me clare.gallie@lewis-manning.co.uk

CLARE GALLIE

Chief Executive, Lewis-Manning Hospice Charity