A HOSPICE care charity has announced the return of a vital service to ensure local people living with terminal illness have choice and control at the end of their lives.

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

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

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

The charity's chief executive Tony Collins, said: “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.

“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.”

It costs Herriot more than £1m each year to support local families, with services which include end-of-life care, bereavement support, befriending, respite support and driving services.

It relies upon the support of the communities it serves. For more information about fundraising or volunteering for your local hospice care charity, or to access support services, visit herriothh.org.uk or call 01609-777 413.