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 Hospice movement in Oban

In April 1999 and initial public meeting was held in Oban.  It resolved to take the movement with a Board and a fund raising group, namely the Friends.  Both arms developed on their own, as separate charities, and the Friends transfer monies raised across at the end of each year.

The Day Hospice started in May 2006 and has been functioning on Mondays in the Lorn & Islands Hospital.  It is staffed by one nurse and an assistant, specially trained in palliative care, supplemented by the essential volunteers.  These provide transport, collect cakes, fruit, flowers and papers generously provided by retailers in Oban, make drinks, serve lunch and provide general support to the patients.  On most Mondays, there is a massage available to those that wish it.  In its present form, the maximum number of patients that can attend on any day is eight, although the numbers fluctuate depending on who feels like attending.

The management group for the Day Hospice consists of the staff, members of Oban Hospice Ltd and a representative from the Friends.

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The Lorn & Islands Hospital has been reviewing the use of Nelson Ward.  The Steering Group includes members from the Hospice Trustees and the Friends.  The current proposal is that the 18 beds in Ward C move into the larger area in Nelson Ward as two four bedded bays and eight single rooms which complies to the latest regulations.  In addition, two larger rooms are planned specially designed for palliative care. There should also be a space for day patients (including haematology and oncology), a quiet room and space for relatives.  The architect has said the existing foot print is adequate for the requirements and Macmillan Cancer Support has expressed support and would consider providing some funding..