This fund supports patients, carers and staff within our Community Directorate, who provide care across the Community Hospitals and community services in Oxfordshire. 

The range of Community services delivered is extensive but includes District Nursing, Children's Community Nursing, School Nurses, Hospital at Home, Physiotherapy, Heart Failure, Community Diabetes Service, Children's Integrated Therapy, Bladder & Bowel, Care Home Support and much more!  

In addition, of course, to supporting the wards in the Community Hospitals themselves at Abingdon, Bicester, City (in Oxford), Didcot, Wallingford and Witney; as well as the First Aid Units, Minor Injury Units and Out of Hours GP services.     

Photograph courtesy of Becca Collacott 

How charity funds help:    

Patient Activities

For our inpatient units, we regularly work with teams to identify ways to enhance the experience of patients staying on the wards and fund visits from musicians, artists, dancers, story-tellers - all encouraging patients to join in. We also have an Art Cart that is filled with material to enable patients to colour, paint, knit etc. Electronic devices such as ipads, DVD players, music systems have all been supplied too to provide some escapism. 
 

Outdoor Spaces

Developing outdoor spaces to enable them to be better used and enjoyed is a popular request. Just being able to sit outside comfortably and enjoy some fresh air can do the world of good for patients, families and staff. We work across the county to enhance the green spaces within the Community Hospitals.  

For example, in Summer 2020 we worked with Chiltern Rangers to create a beautiful Peace and Tranquility Garden within the grounds of Abingdon Community Hospital enabling a much-needed outdoor space for patients, families, and staff. 

Equipment

The charity has supported the Community Directorate by purchasing equipment that is above and beyond the standard NHS requirement. This may enable greater comfort for patients or provide more information to staff to better personalise care. For example, blood pressure monitoring devices that can be given to patients in their homes. 

Staff wellbeing and development

We want to ensure we look after those delivering care too. Particularly ensuring there's comfortable and safe rest areas for staff to take a well-earned break.  The mural below was designed by staff and a local artist to remember their experiences of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Also charity funding enables staff to further develop their skills by enabling them to attend training sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills (this is above standard training required to do their job).