Earlier this summer, a new and very important mascot joined the team at Sobell House Hospice in Headington.
Patch is a very special bear who has a significant mission in life and that is to provide a big, warm hug to patients and families at a time when they need it most. However, Patch is kept busy all day long so we thought we would see what this special bear can get up in just one day …
Patch is waiting in the Family Room to meet their new friends. “They’ll be here soon; I can’t wait to meet them!” but whilst Patch is waiting this wonderful bear makes a cup of tea, does some jigsaw puzzles, and relaxes in the cosy, homely Family Room watching TV.
When Patch’s new friends arrive, Patch tells them: “Don’t Worry, we’re all here to support you.” The person is a new patient who will be staying on the ward and along with their family, they are all feeling a bit upset and confused. However, with Patch on hand to offer a hug, lots of comfort, they are soon settled into their new room.
Later in the day, Patch goes out in a car with a community nurse to visit a patient at home. The patient is very comfortable at home and their pain has improved. This has meant the patient has been able to get out and about to see friends more, which is so important to their quality of life. Patch is really pleased. “We are always so glad at Sobell House that we can provide care to people at home, surrounded by their home comforts.”
Back at the hospice and it’s lunchtime! Patch is in the kitchen getting ready to serve the patients their lunch. On today’s menu is homemade soup and a pie of the day. Patch helps the hospice Chef to add the final touches to a delicious birthday cake, as one of the patients on the ward is turning 60 today. Patch then blends up a milkshake for a patient who is having trouble eating, as this is exactly what they fancied. However, Patch cannot resist dipping a teaspoon in the milkshake for a taste test: “Yum … one taste won’t hurt!”
As it’s a beautifully warm day, Patch joins a patient in the garden to listen to the birdsong and enjoy the sunshine together. Although there aren’t any bears in the Sobell gardens, there’s still plenty of wildlife to admire, including robins, squirrels, and lots of fragrant flowers. They even enjoy a quick snooze! Patch sighs with contentment: “The gardens are so peaceful and private.”
It’s time for Patch to check in on their friends from earlier, who are feeling more settled. The patients’ children are playing in the Family Room, so Patch pops in to say hello and give them a reassuring hug. The family will be staying overnight and are planning a movie night together, so Patch will visit them later on. Patch always ensures that people are well-cared for along with all the other members of staff, patients and their families are why they are at the hospice. “I’ll make sure your whole family is looked after too,” says Patch.
Later in the day, Patch accompanies a patient for an art therapy session, where they can express their feelings and emotions without any judgement. The patient has a supportive chat with the therapist, filled with laughter and some tears. Patch is always on hand for people to talk to too: “It’s so good to have someone to talk to.”
One patient needs extra companionship as their family aren’t local and are unable to visit as much. Patch makes sure to spend extra time with this patient each day and when Patch hears the drinks trolley. “Is that the drinks trolley I hear? This will bring a smile to your face!” and Patch grabs them their favourite drink from the drinks trolley, which is doing its afternoon round.
Patch knows that in order for Sobell House Hospices to run along with its community support, fundraising is an essential part of the work which is undertaken. Patch visits the charity office, where fundraisers are busy raising the vital funds that keep Sobell House up and running. Patch then checks in with the Sobell charity shops across Oxfordshire to see how sales are going today. Patch comments: “We’re so grateful to everyone who donates, fundraisers or visits our shops around Oxfordshire.”
Patch takes a walk through the hospice to arrive at the bereavement care service, where a relative is meeting their bereavement support worker for the last time. Since receiving support, they feel able to cope with their grief. Although they’re parting ways today, Patch tells them to call anytime if they feel they need support again. “We’re with you all the way – grief is a journey.”
Before Patch the bear heads into hibernation for the night, they make one final check on the ward, where night staff are busy continuing compassionate care for patients overnight. Happy with what the days has brought with it Patch is ready for some sleep. “It’s been a rewarding day and I’m ready to do it all again tomorrow.”
Patch represents the team at Sobell House. Like Patch, all the staff are by your side when life can feel a little broken. They help to patch things together with care, comfort, and compassion on the good days and the bad. All of the money raised through the charity helps keep Sobell House’s doors wide open to welcome in families in their time of need.
To see how you can offer your support either through volunteering, fundraising or donations please visit sobellhouse.org
