South Devon’s local hospice is asking the community to support a fundraising appeal raising money to purchase 16 new syringe pumps at a cost of £1100 each. Rowcroft currently cares for over 2000 patients across South Devon each year and three out of four patients receive care in their home. The hospice receives a grant from the NHS, but the majority of its costs, over 70%, are funded by the local community through donations and legacies.
Rowcroft’s Director of Patient Care, Gill Horne explains more,
“Syringe pumps are an essential piece of kit for a hospice. They are a small battery powered pump that delivers medication at a constant rate throughout the day and night. For patients who are finding it difficult to swallow tablets or liquid medicines, are vomiting or feel sick or whose body can’t absorb medicines properly a syringe pump is vital.
Syringe pumps are often used to give medicines to treat pain, sickness, seizures, agitation and breathlessness. Having a syringe pump for use in patient’s homes often makes it possible for our patients to receive care in their home from our community or hospice at home teams.”
The total cost of each syringe drivers is £1100 which includes the pump, casing, battery and bag.
Gill explains why the hospice has turned to the South Devon community for support,
“To have to find £17,600 to fund the replacement of all 16 syringe pumps is an enormous challenge. Since the hospice faced a funding crisis two years ago, we have successfully secured our finances but face the continued challenge on raising much needed funds. We are asking the local community if they can help us find the £17,600 needed to fund this equipment by donating whatever they can. We are confident that once replaced, the syringe pumps will again see us through the next seven or eight years, enabling us to care and support many thousands of patients during that time.”
To support the hospice’s appeal you can make a donation online by visiting www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk
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