A BASILDON hospice is looking to the future after celebrating 25 years supporting patients and their families.

St Luke’s celebrated the landmark birthday in 2015 and 2016 is set to be a big year for the hospice as it continues to develop and expand to look after more people living in Basildon and Thurrock.

Eileen Marshall, chief executive officer at the hospice, said she is looking forward to the hospice’s future.

She said: “St. Luke’s future is firmly aimed at delivering the national agenda locally to the highest level of full, responsive, comforting and end of life care in order to help and support a greater number of people in South West Essex.

“Year after year, St. Luke’s has developed and expanded services. Our anniversary year last year turned out to be one of the most exciting, challenging and crucial years in shaping our future, and the future of the care we deliver.

“Highlights of the anniversary year included the successful launch of OneResponse and Fast Track Services - both aimed at avoiding unwanted hospital admissions or stays by offering patients greater support and flexibility in terms of care.”

The Hospice received an award from the prestigious Health Care Foundation to pilot a ground breaking Shared Care Pathway project with Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital supporting people with liver disease.

Eileen believes St. Luke’s success is down to their focus on the people they treat but says the growing population will put pressure on the charity.

She added: “The compassionate care we deliver is only made possible because of the dedication and commitment of our staff and volunteers.

“The coming years are going to be both challenging and exciting. Indicators show that South West Essex will have a more diverse population, growing in number, as people move into the area, people are expected to live longer, be diagnosed earlier and greater numbers will survive from critical illness.

“All these indicators create a growing need for St. Luke’s to care for and support more people, as well as to raise more income, by opening more shops, explore new ways of raising funds, adapt and adhere to new legislation.

“In practical terms we need to employ and develop individuals, teams and services to work across the organisation, in new sites and in patients’ own homes whilst also continuing to uphold our charitable mission offering care which is free at the point of delivery.”

Mel Costin has been a nurse for 19 years, and joined St Luke’s four months ago.

She said: ‘’I was attracted to the hospice because I was impressed by the high level of compassion and care that is delivered to patients.

“I love working at St Luke’s and feel it is the best move of my career yet. I am excited about the ever evolving future of the hospice and being so actively involved in developments.”

To find out more call the hospice 01268 524973 or visit the website www.stlukeshospice.com.