Nicki
14 making a difference : for healthcare professionals
Acorns doesn ’ t operate in isolation .
We ’ re part of a much wider health and social care network , which exists to make sure the very best care is delivered to the children and families who so desperately need it .
Healthcare professionals involved in the care of children with life shortening conditions rely on us . We know that because they tell us . You can see that feedback on the following pages .
More than just flattering , their feedback underlines the significant difference Acorns makes in the care of a child and how , without us , things would be much worse .
That ’ s why a priority in 2016 has continued to be our statutory sector engagement work , where we have sought to proactively demonstrate our pivotal role in the health and social care arena to local funding bodies , who have a responsibility to contribute to the nearly £ 10million it costs to do what we do .
Sadly , there will always be a need for an Acorns . In fact , we ’ ve cared for 188 more children in 2015-16 than the previous year and we know demand is increasing . But if we are to meet the need , the funding has to match the cost of care that we provide .
“ I know it ’ s a safe place ” Nicki Fitzmaurice ,
Referring Health Professional
“ A
ccess to the services offered by Acorns Children ’ s Hospice is an integral component in terms of ensuring the best possible care for children and their families .
“ Part of our role within Birmingham Children ’ s Hospital is to improve awareness of the vital role children ’ s hospices play . Sadly there still exists a feeling that hospices are there purely for end of life .
“ In the last few years we have really developed our relationship with Acorns and collaboratively are stronger working together .
“ It ’ s massively important for me to know we can access hospices that will look after the children , families and siblings .
“ I know it ’ s somewhere that will hold people and their emotions and acknowledge that they are in the worst moment imaginable . I know the family will be managed by people who have expert knowledge , who know the family is in crisis ; it ’ s a real skill . I know it ’ s a safe place and somewhere that can provide resources around the whole family such as the family flat , the swimming pool , the garden .
“ We would see a decline of choices and of quality , flexible and specialist care . If there was no access to that there would be a massive gap in the market and a lack of choice for families .”
Nicki
Deputy Head of Nursing and Corporate Lead for Palliative and Bereavement Care Services , Birmingham Children ’ s Hospital