Twinning
Jersey Hospice Care is twinned with a Hospice in Quito, Ecuador, called Fundacion Luz Y Vida which is supported by an Ecuadorian Trust called Fundacion Jersey.
Fundacion Luz Y Vida was set up in 2001 by Jersey woman Dr Nicky Bailhache, who had lived in Ecuador for seven years. The charity is dedicated to providing palliative care in the home and a team of only eight – some part-time and volunteers - looks after about 80 patients.
Our 2009 Bedell challenge saw 80 people take up the challenge on cycling and trekking through Ecuador and some of Jersey Hospice Care’s nurses were able to visit the hospice whilst out there.
Much like Jersey Hospice Care, the charity also offers a bereavement service, and teaches and mentors health care professionals, as well as raising awareness that even though a patient has a terminal prognosis, they still matter and need treatment.
The official twinning was approved by Jersey Hospice Care’s Council in October 2009 and Dr Purcell-Jones says they are now looking forward to providing their sister charity with as much help and support as they can.
Dr Purcell-Jones says: ’Ecuador is a poor country and we understand from Dr Bailhache that it can cost twice a family’s monthly income to buy essential painkillers. There are no district nurses or GPs and Fundacion Jersey’s important work includes teaching families how to give basic nursing care. We have already provided the charity with advice and some equipment and look forward to closer links, including the possibility of staff exchanges.’
We receive regular updates from Fundacion Luz Y Vida and have held some joint fundraising events where profits have been shared between Fundacion Jersey and Jersey Hospice Care.
You can download their latest newsletter below or click here for more information.