Nurses salute Gainsborough public for backing campaign to help terminally ill

A campaign to refurbish the palliative care suite on Scotter Ward at John Coupland Hospital in the town has generated £30,000 in a year. And that means staff are now well on the way to hitting their £60,000 goal, all because of the public’s ongoing support.

“We cannot thank the local community enough for the love and support they have given us,” said ward sister Donna Phillips.

“When we set ourselves this target, we had no idea how much it would mean to people, or that we would reach this milestone in the first 12 months.

“The generosity and kindness the public has shown us has been incredible and overwhelming. It has given us lots of determination to keep going.”

The campaign comes under the umbrella of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust’s Charitable Funds, a charity that supports projects to enhance services and facilities not funded by the NHS.

Donna explained the improvements the money will pay for. “Scotter Ward has two single rooms for patients in need of palliative or end-of-life care,” she said. “Our vision is to open the space up in each room and redecorate to make it feel more homely for our patients and their families and friends.

“We would like the surroundings to reflect the kind of care we are passionate about delivering to those who come to us.”

Fundraising events have included a black-tie ball, a sponsored swim, sponsored silences, book sales, afternoon teas, stalls and collections at Gainsborough Trinity football matches. Next on the agenda are a table-top sale at the hospital on Saturday, May 20 and a quiz night organised by the Rotary Club on Wednesday, June 14.

The campaign has also been nominated as the chosen charity for the year by Marshall’s Yard and the Mayor of Gainsborough.