You may not realise that a number of hospices have for some time been members of the Butterfly Scheme, but it was very special to welcome another one this month – Trinity Hospice in Blackpool. Blackpool’s Victoria Hospital and Lytham’s Clifton Hospital have both long been passionate members of the Scheme and it was a real joy when Trinity Hospice applied to be a member, too.
I do sometimes wonder before such occasions quite how much the Scheme can add to the already extremely person-centred care that hospices offer, but the team at Trinity showed real interest and thoughtfulness about the particular needs of patients who are eligible for the Butterfly Scheme and it was clear that they were actively noting further ways to enhance their care provision for these patients.
One aspect of care that’s always well-established in hospices is the concept of working in harmony with the family of the patient – and I’ve experienced this myself, when a much-loved relative with cognitive care needs was beautifully cared for in a hospice and we, as her family, were seamlessly involved in that care. A lot of the issues surrounding dissatisfied relatives of hospital patients stem from the idea that care is being transferred from one care provider to the other, whereas by linking up and sharing insight and discussion, there really is only one side to caring – the side which wants the best for the patient and will help all involved to achieve that.
It’s a privilege to work with any healthcare team to enhance the care of people living with dementia or needing a similar approach, but I’d like to thank Maxine and the Trinity team for making it such a pleasure to help them on their way.