Dr Kershaw’s busts hospice myths for Hospice Care Week

With Hospice Care Week (October 6-12) now underway, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is challenging stereotypes people may believe about hospices.

The annual Hospice UK campaign celebrates the impact of hospice care within local communities and this year’s theme is ‘hospice care is more than you think’. 

As Oldham’s only hospice, Dr Kershaw’s cares for a growing number of patients and families in need. 

According to Oldham Council’s 2024 Productivity Plan, the number of older people (aged 65 and over) is expected to increase by 30 per cent over the next two decades. 

This is anticipated to bring ‘major challenges for adult social care and health provision.’ 

To meet diverse needs across the area, Dr Kershaw’s offers additional services to its state-of-the-art inpatient unit. 

These include the Caring Hands service, which is a team of trained healthcare assistants who visit patients in their own homes to provide individualised care. 

Available between 7am and 10pm, they work alongside community nurses and Dr Kershaw’s’ Hospice at Home team to help with personal care, medication, toileting, diet, and emotional support. 

Christine Wilson, care coordinator for Caring Hands at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “One of the myths about hospices is that we only provide end-of-life care or treat people with cancer. 

“At Dr Kershaw’s, we care for people with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses. We work alongside families to deliver high-quality, compassionate care for people living with everything from heart failure to lung diseases and cystic fibrosis. 

“Each person is treated as an individual, with a tailored care plan.” 

One patient who has received care from the Caring Hands team is devoted grandfather and successful businessman Melvyn Dronsfield. 

In March 2025, the 80-year-old accessed the service following emergency surgery for bowel cancer. 

Thanks to the Caring Hands team, his condition stabilised significantly and he has been largely able to care for himself. 

Melvyn’s daughter, Angela Dronsfield, said: “Caring Hands alleviated so much pressure. The staff were amazing – so caring, knowledgeable and supportive. 

“They went the extra mile, giving him foot massages and making him feel like everything was okay. I would definitely recommend the service – it made everything so simple and less stressful. 

“Caring Hands gave Dad the time to adapt, and us, as family, time to come to terms with how to care for him. Without that care, we don’t think he’d be here today.”

To find out more about the Caring Hands service, visit www.drkh.org.uk/caringhands.