Health and social care students are learning how a small act of kindness can make a big difference to patients coming to the end of their lives.
The future health care professionals from Redcar and Cleveland College are creating comfort and care packages for health and care providers to give to patients in their final months, weeks or even days.
Delivering the first batch to Redcar Primary Care Hospital, lecturer Andrew Johnson said: “Our aim is to help patients and their families by providing personal items to support their wellbeing and comfort as they face the most challenging time.
“Our students have embraced the project and welcomed by local care providers it is quite emotional to think about the impact it will have.”
The packages include items such as hand lotions, lip balms, blankets, and personal care products, to meet the patient’s practical needs, along with photo frames, battery operated candles and in some cases crystal angels to support their emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
“The students have given a lot of thought to both the individual’s needs and those of their loved ones,” said Andrew. “A lot of it is thinking about the patient’s sensory needs. Palliative and end-of-life care is about making the individual as comfortable as possible during the time they have.”
Calling for donations from the college and the wider community, the level 2 students were quickly inundated with donations. So far, they have made approximately 50 packages which they are now starting to distribute to hospitals and hospices.
Redcar student Lexi, 16, said: “The project has really brought the community together. This is something that is close to everybody’s heart.
“We have really thought about what the individual needs to make them as comfortable as possible.
“Doing my placement in a care home there are individuals there who are on palliative care. It is hard to see, and so anything you can do to help is a good thing. It is about giving that compassion and warmth to someone.”
Welcoming the first batch of gifts, Redcar Primary Care Hospital’s Zetland Ward manager, Naomi Kuzmicki, said: “These care packages are going to make a significant difference to patients and their families. Family members are always looking for ways they can improve their relative’s last days.
“It is about finding ways to make those days special. For some, things like face masks, hand massages and manicures can help them to feel a little bit better.”
Redcar and Cleveland College lecturer Andrew added: “It was quite emotional to see the packages going out and to know that some will already be with people.
“The project was about getting the students involved in something that was real and not just scenario based. As they learn in class about this important area, I wanted to challenge potential negative perceptions about palliative and end-of-life care by focusing on what you can do to support patients, and their families. I think we have done that.”
