Paul Sartori Hospice at Home were delighted to receive a new Equipment Van to support its end of life care services in Pembrokeshire recently. The new van will continue to make a difference to people with life limiting illnesses delivering vital items such as profile beds, riser recliner chairs and other aids, often urgently, to people’s homes in Pembrokeshire. This is all thanks to the special ‘Paul Sartori Community’ who continue to follow and support the local charity.

Paul Sartori launched an appeal in November last year and were delighted to receive considerable support on the campaign. The charity received a generous donation of £10,000 from the West Wales Freemasons Charitable Foundation which kick-started the campaign. This followed with just over £1000 from the COOP Community Fund; £1000 from The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, £250 from Pembroke Power Station and £5000 from the Gannett Foundation, with the remainder sourced from selling raffle tickets and a crowdfunding campaign. Days Haverfordwest, where the van was purchased, were also generous and contributed towards the sign-writing of the vehicle.

“We are delighted to see the new van! This will ensure we can improve the service we currently offer enabling us to be as efficient as possible,” said Pat Coombs Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator. “The Equipment Nursing Assistants, who deliver items direct into people’s homes in Pembrokeshire, also transfer patients and give instructions on the use of items provided,” added Pat. Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is passionate about delivering services which make a real difference to end of life care.

Judith Williams Project and Funding Coordinator at the Paul Sartori Foundation, who assisted in raising funds for the equipment van said, “The general public, various trusts and grant giving bodies along with businesses have given generously during this campaign, to which we are very grateful and we would like to say a big thank you to them – without them we would not have been able to change our old weary van. This new van really is essential to continue to deliver the service to the people who need it in Pembrokeshire.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Team consist of two members of staff, who are experienced nursing assistants. They delivered 1,176 pieces of equipment during 2017/18 and ensure that all equipment is cleaned, checked and maintained to a high standard before delivery.

The services provided by the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service enable people in the later stages of any life limiting illness to be cared for at home with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear; providing a range of services including home nursing care, equipment loan, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, clinical nurse specialist in palliative care, physiotherapy, advance care planning and training.

Further information on the charity and its services can be obtained by visiting their website www.paulsartori.org, or by phoning 01437 763223.