DAY care is one of the most important services Dorothy House Hospice offers patients suffering from terminal illnesses.

The Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News is appealing to readers to adopt the hospice as their chosen charity in its 30th year to ensure such a vital service can continue.

Deputy day care leader Anne Wringe said talking to nurses or fellow patients can make all the difference to those with terminal illnesses. "When patients first get here they are often apprehensive, some are quite low but this soon changes and their relatives see the difference," she said.

"We get people from all walks of life but here they come as equals, they've all got something in common. "They have a lot of emotional support from each other and it also provides some respite for their carers. "There is an atmosphere of fun and laughter and sometimes tears in a group. Everyone is very open and honest and no subject is taboo.

"We talk about death very openly with people. It's a relief to be able to talk about something with others going through the same thing."

There is a different group of 11 patients at the hospice each day, who are picked up from their homes at 10am.

They meet at the hospice and decide what they want to do, which can range from trips to the pub, flower arranging, computer work or just talking. Patients are aged between 30 and 90 and will attend day care for about six months after being referred by their doctor or specialist.

Mrs Wringe has worked at Dorothy House for 15 years. Before that she was a community nurse but says working at the hospice means she can really get to know each patient.

"Here nurses can spend more quality time with the patients. It is so rewarding and I get so much out of this. They have illnesses that can't be cured but we can improve their quality of life. It's all about the individual, we set goals and the patients are empowered to do things. They are constantly learning and giving to each other.

"We are helped out by volunteers and without them we simply couldn't run day care." Some of the patients attending day care at the hospice are featured in a new film about Dorothy House, produced by Michael Darlow and narrated by Dame Judi Dench. The film will premiere at the hospice on Thursday.

Like all the services Dorothy House offers, day care is provided free of charge to patients. Only 40 per cent of the hospice's funding comes from the NHS, which means it has to raise £6,000 a day.

  • To give a regular donation call (01225) 721480; send them to Dorothy House Hospice Care, Winsley, Bradford on Avon, BA14 2LE; email susan.kenny@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk or visit www.dorothyhouse.co.uk