Donations help fund continuation of Comfort Care Pack initiative across Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Thanks to your donations, we are delighted to be able to continue to fund and support the Comfort Care Packs initiative, ensuring that families of end-of-life patients across Leeds Teaching Hospitals receive essential care items during difficult times.

Originally launched in 2015, the packs - which include practical items such as toothbrushes, socks, fans, and pens - were initially designed for families of oncology patients. However, thanks to continued funding and support from Leeds Hospitals Charity donors, the initiative has expanded to serve all end-of-life patients across all hospitals since 2019.

The packs are part of a broader support campaign launched in June 2019, which addresses inconsistencies in care and includes elements such as parking permits and quiet rooms. The campaign uses the mnemonic SUPPORT (Support, Understanding, Parking Permit, Personal Space, Offer the Comfort Care Pack, Restrooms, Tea and Coffee) to ensure comprehensive care for dying patients and their families.

The Comfort Care Packs are branded with the SUPPORT campaign logo and include a card from Leeds Hospitals Charity, encouraging families to share their experiences. Feedback from families has been positive, highlighting the packs' usefulness. 

Claire Iwaniszak, Clinical Educator in the Palliative Care Team, who has led the project since its inception, said: “Since 2019, Leeds Hospitals Charity has funded over 3,000 comfort care packs, with over 2,000 provided directly to families. These have been an invaluable resource, offering support during incredibly difficult time. 

The feedback that I've had over the years is always really positive. A recent comment from a family member said, “When I was with my dad at the end of his life, I felt someone had really taken the time to think about what I might need, when I had other things to think about. So, thank you so much.””

The recent introduction of “SUPPORT Champions” has further enhanced the distribution and management process, with 50 champions across 70 wards in the trust promoting quality care initiatives and attending regular forums to discuss and cascade information.