A new service to support bereaved families is set to be launched later this month following a successful collaboration between Noble’s Hospital and Hospice Isle of Man.
The charity has stepped in to supply a room to house the Relative Support Service, which has been established in memory of 14-year-old Jake Watson, who died last year following a severe asthma attack.
Jake’s family will be present at the official launch event, which is being held on Friday 15 September, close to the first anniversary of his death.
Mum Leanna Watson was instrumental in the service being created after speaking about losing her son to the Noble’s Hospital senior management team as part of a Patient Experience exercise, and describing how the family had little idea about where to turn with regard to funeral arrangements or bereavement counselling.
Mrs Watson said:
‘After Jake died, the staff at the hospital were brilliant and they made a horrific time that little bit easier.
‘Unfortunately there was a real gap in what to do next, and I ended up turning to the Yellow Pages – there was just not enough direction. If you’ve not been through the experience of losing a loved one, then how will you know?’
The team pledged to look into establishing the Relative Support Service – demand for which had been acknowledged for some time and saw a previous attempt to set up a similar service in 2008 fail due to a lack of resources – but struggled to identify an appropriate venue for it to be housed within the hospital building.
In July, a meeting aimed at finding a solution took place with Hospice Isle of Man Chief Executive Anne Mills and Clinical Director Dr Ben Harris, who were pleased to offer the use of a room at the charity’s premises on the hospital estate.
The service will be run by staff from the hospital’s mortuary team on an appointment system, and will allow possessions to be returned, paperwork to be completed and advice to be offered on counselling services.
A charity set up by Mrs Watson aimed at helping bereaved families, Applause For Jake Watson, will provide financial assistance to the new service as well as helping to raise awareness of the support more widely available to families in the Isle of Man. It recently funded a trip to Laser Mayhem for children who use Jade’s Place, a facility at Hospice for children affected by bereavement.
Mrs Watson added:
‘The support Applause For Jake Watson has received from the people of the Isle of Man and a number of businesses has been amazing and we’re so happy the Relative Support Service is ready to launch.
‘I was really grateful to speak at the Patient Experience meeting and am pleased with how quickly things have moved since then. We’re now all looking forward to our charity continuing to help other families over years to come.’
Mike Quinn, Interim Director of Hospital Services, said:
‘We are delighted the service will be launched and thank Leanna for her insight and energy, mortuary manager Ian Hughes for all his hard work as well as our friends at Hospice Isle of Man for providing the venue.
‘It became clear to everyone who heard about Leanna’s experience that the hospital’s duty of care does not stop when a person dies – it’s at that point that many would appreciate extra support.’
Mrs Mills said:
‘When Hospice Isle of Man was approached to consider housing this service there was not a hint of doubt in my mind that this was the right and proper thing to do – and our board members and senior team unanimously agreed.
‘We welcome the opportunity to provide the right environment for that much needed extra support. This is partnership-working at its very best – pulling together for and around people at the centre.’
The service is due to open on October 2. For more information, call the Relative Support Service team on +44 1624 650615.
