MORE people living with terminal illnesses can choose to spend their final days at home thanks to the return of an end-of-life care service.

Herriot Hospice Homecare, a hospice without walls serving the communities of Hambleton and Richmondshire, had to stop its end-of-life care service last year because of funding problems.

It sees a team of specially trained healthcare assistants visit patients in their own homes to provide care and support in their final weeks and days.

Tony Collins, chief executive of the Northallerton-based charity, said recommencing the service would give terminally ill people and their families more choice and control.

“We know that one of the things that matters most to so many people in our community is being able to stay in their own home; to be surrounded by the people and things that they hold dear; to sleep in their own bed; to be treated with compassion and respect, and to know that practical, physical and emotional support is on hand for them, as well as their family, friends and carers,” said Mr Collins.

“The end of life care service we offer to local people makes these things possible.

“Against a national backdrop of cuts to public spending, this provision has, like so many services in the healthcare sector, recently faced changes and challenges.

“We are proud to innovate, adapt and remain focused in the face of such challenges, and through this forward-thinking new partnership, the end of life care service returns with increased sustainability, and better able to meet the needs of local people across the Hambleton and Richmondshire district.”

The recently resumed provision is bolstered by an innovative partnership with neighbouring hospice, St Teresa’s, alongside Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group.

Herriot Hospice Homecare, formerly known as Hospice Homecare, was founded in 1992 and became a registered charity in 1996.

It costs more than £1million each year to provide its services to families, which include end -of-life care, bereavement support, befriending, respite support and driving.

In order to continue its work, the charity relies upon the generous support of the communities it serves. For more information about fundraising and volunteering opportunities and to find out about the support services on offer, visit herriothh.org.uk or call 01609-777413.