In her first report in the role of Lippen Care manager, Marion Hood pledges to continue to promote the ethos of Lippen Care throughout the coming year by going into the local communities and presenting talks to members of various organisations and groups, such as the Guild, the W.R.I, community councils etc.

She reports: "We presently have 55 dedicated volunteers who readily give their time and talents to greatly enhance the support and care given to patients and families.

"The shop continues to flourish as do the beautiful gardens, and exquisite floral arrangements enrich the hospice lounge.

" Clova ward nursing staff appreciate the assistance given by our volunteers who also staff the evening reception desk.

"Continuing promotion, recruitment and training is ongoing and we look forward to being able to complement the service by providing weekend afternoon teas to hospice patients and families."

Complementing

Marion explained the volunteers are an integral part of Lippen Care and are supported and encouraged to develop closer involvement with their patients, their relatives and friends, further complementing the work done by the professional staff.

Volunteers freely give their valuable time and commitment and this is greatly appreciated by all.

She continued: "Patients, relatives, carers, volunteers and nursing staff continue to benefit from the skills of four complementary therapists.

"The team are delighted to now have their own dedicated complementary therapy room which has made a huge difference to the quality of treatments available.

"We look forward to the therapies going from strength to strength as there is clearly a need, and a great appreciation of the therapies from patients and staff alike."

Upgraded

The report reveals a need was identified to increase the bedrooms specifically dedicated to palliative specialist care, and two bedrooms in Clova ward have now been upgraded.

The partnership working with NHS Tayside and Lippen Care is an integral part of the day to day care in Strathmore Hospice.

Moira Nicoll, chairman of Lippen Care, reported that in March, Liz Forsyth the Lippen Care manager retired and the charity was delighted to appoint Marion who has now been in post for four months.

She states: "She has proven her aptitude for diplomacy and ability in dealing with our volunteers and liaison with the nursing staff.

"At the beginning of May, Marion was joined by admin assistant Joan Findlay - a part time post of great assistance to the charity."

Moira explained that, throughout the year, Lippen Care has continued funding nursing staff and local G.P.s in palliative care in the area.

A new nursing care procedure was being rolled out and the local ward manager was delivering the training.

She continued: "We assist by funding a substitute nurse to cover the position during her absence for training purposes.

"The Community Involvement Committee continues the hard work of organising events and promoting Lippen Care."

As well as annual events this year there has been a raffle for a signed football donated by Rangers Football Club, and two sessions of a temporary charity shop in Forfar which have received strong support from the people of Forfar, Kirriemuir and surrounding areas.

Thanking all those who have supported these events, Moira stated appreciation must also be voiced for the volunteers in the hospital kiosk, serving refreshments in the wards, reception duties and maintenance of the hospice gardens.

"Special thanks for the garden must equally go to Aileen McKenzie and her daughter Fiona, for their advice and guidance.

"Many visitations to the hospice have taken place and the people of Forfar, Kirriemuir and the surrounding areas should be proud that their hospice is being seen as a flagship model for future hospice units."

LIPPEN Care has apologised to anyone who was inadvertently charged for receiving the invitation to the annual general meeting.

A full reimbursement is available to anyone charged £1.10 following a problem with the postal delivery which was outwith Lippen Care's control.

Assurances have been given this problem will not happen again and anyone wishing to be reimbursed should contact Marion Hood at Lippen Care, tel. (01307) 475256.