'I sit with dying patients in their final hours'

Louise Carter is one of eight volunteers who sit with Worcester Royal patients in their final days and hours

Volunteers who sit with patients nearing the end of their lives have been praised for their compassion.

The Peony Service, which started at Worcestershire Royal Service in September, "has made a huge difference" to patients and their loved ones, managers said.

Volunteer coordinator Rachel Colthurst said volunteers' "willingness to serve with such kindness and commitment is a gift to our patients, their loved ones, and the palliative care team as a whole".

Louise Carter, one of eight Peony volunteers, said: "I hope I've helped make time spent in hospital a little easier and supported more positive memories for loved ones."

The service is sponsored by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity and works in partnership with national charity, The Anne Robson Trust.

Since it launched, the volunteers have visited more than 30 patients referred by the palliative care team, and given about 50 hours of bedside support, staff said.

Ms Colthurst, who works for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said the service started as a result of the palliative team's vision "to provide bedside company and compassion" to dying patients in hospital.

"In just a few weeks it is clear what a huge difference the Peony end-of-life volunteers are making," she added.

The eight Peony volunteers started providing support in September

Lead palliative care nurse Avril Adams said the volunteers were helping provide personalised care for end-of-life patients, which already included changes to visiting times and dedicated quiet spaces.

Ms Carter said she had come to appreciate how "small gestures can make a big difference for patients and their loved ones".

"I've see how offering a quiet presence, a listening ear, or reassuring family members while they take a much-needed break, can bring comfort," she added.

The trust hopes to extend the service to all patients in the hospital on end-of-life plans and will begin recruiting for more volunteers in the new year.

It also plans to expand it to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch next year.