James Wild MP visits Tapping House ahead of the Open Gardens at the Hospice
On Friday James Wild MP visited Tapping House to meet staff and volunteers who provide care and support for people and their families nearing the end of life.
Guided by Nicola Ellis CEO, Tim How Chairman of Board of Trustees, and Lynn Lockheart Director of Operations, James was able to see the different departments of Tapping House and the services provided at the hospice. It was an opportunity to talk about funding and the importance of “Tulips for Tapping” which raised over £140,000 this year and is one of the fundraising events including the Open Gardens event. Only 30 per cent of Tapping House’s services are funded by the NHS with the remainder funded through voluntary donations.
James had the opportunity to meet the incredible nursing staff at Tapping House to talk about the care and support they offer to inpatients and their families in the nine bed unit. The team are dedicated to providing the best palliative care and also helping patients near end of life with requests whether for favourite meals, having pets to visit, or even providing VR headsets so patients can experience being on a tropical island from their bed. Through the Hospice at Home service, patients in the last week of life are supported by the team in their own homes.
James visited the Tulip Centre which provides a range of therapies to outpatients including help to manage symptoms such as breathlessness, gardening and creative activities, and exercise with benefits for both physical and mental health. As part of this he went to “Rays Cabin” which is an important part of outpatient care that allows patients to take up woodwork and other hobbies which they can continue after receiving care at Tapping House.
Tapping House relies on many volunteers – including a number who have been supported by the Hospice - and James met longstanding volunteer Martin Goodchild who spoke about the voluntary bereavement services available to families and the training volunteers receive.
Commenting on the visit James said:
“Tapping House is a highly valued part of West Norfolk’s community supporting over 1,100 patients and their families every year. It was a privilege to meet the dedicated staff and volunteers who have created a very caring setting with a peaceful atmosphere and offer high quality care that puts the patient first.”
Speaking about James’ visit, CEO, Nicola Ellis said:
“The dedicated and committed team here at The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House were delighted to talk about the incredible work we do, showcase our beautiful facilities and highlight some of the challenges we currently face. Despite the ongoing financial uncertainty that the hospice sector operates under, our charity is committed to continuing to deliver the excellent level of end of life care that we are known for”.
