On Wednesday 13 October 2021, over 100 guests joined The Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, The Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP, the former Prime Minister and hosts Lord and Lady Ranger CBE for an exclusive dinner at the House of Lords to celebrate the work of frontline staff at Thames Hospice and to launch a new major giving initiative.
During the evening, keynote speeches highlighted the vital role that Thames Hospice and other hospices play in the UK health and social care system, their response to the coronavirus pandemic and the long term changes needed to the UK health sector.
Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice Chief Executive Officer, took the opportunity to brief supporters and the Secretary of State for Health: “Today, right now, we have many people experiencing serious illnesses as a result of the pandemic. With our aging population we will see as many people dying every day in 10 years time as at the peak of the first wave. It is essential that hospices are given a seat at the table to help plan our healthcare so that people living with a serious illness get the care and support they need.”
The Rt. Hon. Theresa May, former Prime Minister and MP for Maidenhead, has been a long-time supporter of Thames Hospice. Mrs May said: “I have watched and supported as Thames Hospice has adapted and grown its services in the last two years to make sure that no patient or family members feels alone with a terminal illness. This responsive pragmatic approach to a fast changing health care environment is the excellence we should all be striving for.”
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid who is currently tasked with equipping health and social care with the leadership and funding it will need in the coming years said: “I am very encouraged to hear about the innovative and proactive work of Thames Hospice to understand their patients and then adapt services, it reminds us all of the essential health partnerships around the country that keep our communities well cared for.”
The evening launched the Thames Hospice Patrons Club, a new major giving initiative aimed at sustaining inpatient care to help patients facing a life-limiting condition to live the best possible quality of life, supporting their families and ensuring the Hospice continues to be a centre of excellence for all those who need palliative and end-of-life and care.
Lord and Lady Ranger CBE are Ambassadors and Patrons for Thames Hospice and hosted the dinner for friends and other Thames Hospice supporters. Lord Rami Ranger said: “The work of Thames Hospice is fundamental in supporting individuals through the most traumatic time. We couldn’t think of a better way to support, and encourage our peers to become Patrons like we are.”
