Recently, The Mark Master Masons of Dyfed chose to once again generously support the Pembrokeshire-based Hospice at Home charity Paul Sartori; with a project to help the local community and a unique service in the county. The project included the renovation of the Out of Hours Equipment Store, a provision which runs alongside the Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service. There is great demand for equipment and PPE out of hours for palliative care nurses and nursing assistants from Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, and the Out of Hours Store is also accessed by other healthcare professionals.
Funding for the renovation and refurbishment of the Store has been a struggle. Many funders were approached, and 3 applications were submitted to no avail. At the end of 2021 the Trustees of the Dyfed Mark Benevolent Fund pledged to give £6000 towards this much-needed project. And, on the 1st March 2022 the Out of Hours Equipment Store based at Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest was officially opened by David Griffiths, Provincial Charity Steward and Laura Hugman, the Clinical Team Manager. Other representatives from the Mark Master Masons of Dyfed attended including Trevor Byrant, Provincial Secretary and member of the St Brides Mark Lodge in Milford Haven and Ron Ansell of Picton Castle Lodge in Haverfordwest. They were accompanied by various members of staff from the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home team and the Chair of the Trustees, Dave Evans.
This donation towards the Out of Hours Equipment Store has paid for the total renovation of the store including new flooring, new wall and ceiling lining, modifications to the external door, new adjustable shelving, new threshold and ramp and new electrical works to ensure automated lighting inside and outside the store. Enabling Paul Sartori to improve access to equipment for end-of-life patients 24/7. The old store was in poor disrepair and now provides adequate storage, much improved lighting and a much safer approach. Also ensuring the store can easily be cleaned, maintained and preserved for years to come.
David Griffiths said “All the Trustees were impressed by the project and the benefits it will bring to the community they serve. This is a very significant donation for a charity of our size, which reflects our high regard for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.”
“Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is delighted to be able to open the new Out of Hours Store that will be accessible by members of the care community. This will provide much needed essential products that allow people to remain at home with dignity during their end-of-life. The store was refurbished using £6000 of funding provided by the Mark Master Masons of Dyfed and the Foundation is extremely grateful for their continued support,” said Dave Evans Chair of Trustees for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.
As a pleasant surprise, Ron Ansell also presented a further £500 from the members of Picton Castle Lodge.
The project will benefit end-of-life patients, over 18 years old, living in Pembrokeshire. In addition, this will also benefit family members and carers who help to care for their loved ones in the home setting. This service is part of the overall Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service which sets out to preserve dignity; increases independence; relieves pain and increases comfort for end-of-life patients. Paul Sartori Hospice at Home are the ONLY organisation within Pembrokeshire which offer this type of out-of-hours equipment provision.
