This is the fourth year that CAM have been working with The Martlets Hospice, Hove, which provides high quality services to patients, their families and carers both within the Hospice and in the comfort of patients’ homes. The Hospice staff and volunteers provide expert and compassionate care, which enhances the quality of life and eases the distress of patients suffering from cancer and other serious conditions.

Care is provided via an 18-bedded inpatient unit, a Day Hospice for 15 patients, bereavement support and counselling and a home care service, which operates as Martlets @ Home. The Hospice is also the base of the Macmillan Community Team. Care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, auxiliaries, social workers and counsellors, a chaplain, administrative, kitchen and domestic staff, all of who work together in the interests of patients and their carers.

Over 450 dedicated volunteers, who give considerable time to supporting the Hospice’s work, ably support the professional staff. Hospice services are accessible to all adult members of the local community and are provided free of charge. Almost without exception, patients and families make significant donations in response to the care provided.

The Martlets Hospice is not part of the NHS and this year over £2.6million must be raised from charitable activities in order to maintain services at their current level. This magazine is designed to maintain the Hospice’s profile in the local area and to promote better understanding of its work for the local community.