A CHRISTMAS appeal has been launched by St Luke's Hospice in Winsford.

The nursing team is urging the community to get behind its Patient Comfort Appeal.

Doctors and nurses have drawn up a Christmas wish list of equipment which needs replacing at the hospice, including pressure relieving mattresses, bedside TVs, rising and reclining electric chairs and specialist furniture.

Medical director Dr Andrea Graham said: “Our aim on the in-patient unit at St Luke’s is to care for those nearing their final days, helping them live in comfort and with dignity.

"And for families to be able to spend quality time with their loved one, making the most of the time they have together.

"This is why we try to make our unit comfy and welcoming, from a cosy bed to a relaxing chair and even a TV to watch favourite shows and movies on, because patient comfort is so important to us.

“Some of the mattresses and chairs used by patients are more than 10 years old and while we have been able to replace some when budgets would allow, the need to replace the rest is now growing more urgent.

"This is why we have launched the Patient Comfort Appeal.”

The hospice is appealing to for community support in raising enough money to buy two pressure relieving mattresses, 12 smart bedside TVs, 12 rising and reclining electric chairs, and new specialist furniture for the conservatory.

The target to raise in order to fund all this equipment is £31,986.96.

Dr Andrea added: “It is vital the people we care for feel safe, secure, and of course comforted at what is often an incredibly difficult time in their life.

"Because for some families we meet, these will be the last days – the last moments – that they share with each other.

“It’s up to us to make sure that each moment a person spends in our care is dignified and comfortable. That’s why the equipment we’ve always chosen for our patients is the very best – because they deserve nothing less.

"But now, we’re making do with equipment that’s fast becoming outdated and unsuitable – and it’s simply not good enough for our patients.

“Every penny we receive will make a difference. So if you feel able to make a donation, however big or small, it would be a step along the road to achieving our goal of delivering the very best possible care we can to every patient who visits St Luke’s Hospice.”

For more information about the appeal or to make a donation please visit stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ways-to-support-us/patient-comfort