KCHC Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 Spreads - Flipbook - Page 11
Improving patient and visitor experience
Improving end of life care
It’s very rewarding,
I’m a caring person.
A homely, comforting environment has been created
for patients spending the last few days of their lives
in hospital, providing them with privacy, comfort and
peace thanks to 2022-23 Crown Fund programme.
Being at King’s, with nurses I know
so well, is a big comfort to me. It
helps me feel connected to my
husband.”
By collaborating with hospices and drawing on
feedback from family and friends, previously
sterile, clinical environment side rooms have been
transformed into tranquil, soothing spaces for patients
as they move towards the end of their life. The Crown
Fund enables King’s staff to apply for grants in their
department to bring about small changes that make a
big difference to how patients feel in hospital
– Sandra, volunteer
Volunteer programme
We are proud to support the King’s volunteer
programme of nearly 2,000 individuals, who support
patients and families across our hospital sites. From
guiding visitors and assisting at mealtimes, to offering
emotional support, their presence brings warmth and
care throughout the hospital.
In total, volunteers gave over 76,779 hours of their time
this year – valued at £1m of donated time – and we’ve
renewed our funding for the next two years which will
deepen the impact volunteers can have in the hospital.
Volunteers like Sandra offer remarkable support. After
losing her husband on the Marjory Warren Ward, she
now helps palliative care patients there, knitting small
gifts and offering calm, kindness, and comfort.
Others, like Cathy, ease stress in the Emergency
Department by staying with patients through anxious
moments. Our most popular volunteers – therapy
dogs – bring smiles and reassurance to those who
need it most.
Volunteer stats
1,800
volunteers
76,779
volunteer hours
£1 million
value of donated time
It’s the highlight
of my week.”
– Patient visited by the therapy dogs
Therapy
dogs are just
pure magic!”
– Patient visited by the
therapy dogs
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