Andy Goldsmith, Chief Executive http://www.hopehouse.org.uk
“The Neumark Foundation has been instrumental in enabling us to give families in North Wales the choice of where their seriously ill child dies by providing urgent out-of-hours specialist paediatric end-of-life care at home, in hospital or in any other setting that they may choose.
“This pioneering initiative was set up in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in 2019. It is led by an end-of-life coordinator based at Ty Gobaith and staffed by a specialist team of hospice nurses, hospital nurses, specialist community nurses and CLIC nurses. The team is passionate about making sure everyone is able to receive their help wherever they live in North Wales.
“Already nine families have been supported in caring for their child at the end of their lives in the place of their choice. While the number of children who benefit from the service is relatively small, the difference it makes for the child and the family is huge and its impact lasts a lifetime.
“As one mum said, ‘We were and still are truly grateful for the care and support we received from Tŷ Gobaith and the nursing team. Being able to offer that kind of invaluable service at a family’s most difficult time really gives you comfort and knowledge that you are never on your own.’
“Funding for this vital initiative was due to expire in March 2021, but thankfully a donation from the Neumark Foundation has enabled it to continue for a further 12 months. The impact this will have on the increasing number of children and families who are predicted to need the end-of-life service is immeasurable and we can’t thank the Foundation enough for its generous support.”