As the first of the modern hospices, St Christopher’s was an example to be followed by all. DAVID MILLS looks at how its message is spread through education.

“GO around and see what is being done, and see how your own circumstances can produce another version. There is need for diversity in this field.”

So said Dame Cicely Saunders, who wanted people to adapt the St Christopher’s philosophy to suit the needs of their area, both nationally and internationally.

Providing skilled and compassionate palliative care is the essence of the hospice’s vision, but equally important are integrating the ideas of education and research into this philosophy.

Prior to St Christopher’s triggering the beginning of the modern hospice movement, the general consensus amongst doctors was that little could be done for the dying person.

Dame Cicely turned this notion on its head and declared there was much more which could be done to help those with a terminal illness, and so she was instrumental in establishing a new branch in medicine - palliative care.

Today St Christopher’s is the home to one of the largest palliative care libraries in the world and people flock from all over the globe to be inspired by its vision and hub of knowledge.

Librarian Denise Brady said: “Death and dying had not been studied as an entity before and bereavement had only begun to be studied.

“In a few years other hospices started to grow up based on care people were getting here. Then it became big around the country.

“Before St Christopher's there was a real reluctance to give morphine, you had to earn the drug by being in a huge amount of pain.

“Education has centred around all these issues over the years.”

The hospice runs a comprehensive education programme including a variety of courses and diplomas in palliative care for nurses, bereavement, working with children and families, psycho-social care and spirituality in end-of-life care.

There are also courses open to international visitors including a week of intensive tutoring in palliative care.

Part of St Christopher’s drive to raise £9m this year is so it can fund places on courses for students from resource-poor countries.

The hospice also works to raise children’s awareness of looking after the dying and ease any fears they may have.

Schools come into the hospice to spend time with patients, such as taking part in arts and craft classes.

Mrs Brady said: “Lots of children are afraid of death and dying.

“They come along to the hospice and meet people who have severe illnesses.

“They realise these people are not well but it’s not something to be frightened of.”

ST CHRISTOPHER’S FACTFILE

St Christopher’s provides in-patient care for more than 2,000 people every year.

On any one day the hospice looks after around 800 people in their own homes.

Multi-professional staff include nurses, doctors, social and welfare workers, occupational therapists, spiritual care workers, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, a dietician, speech therapist and pharmacist.

Care to patients is completely free, but this year the hospice needs to raise £9 million to run its services.

To find out more or to make a donation call 020 8768 4500 or visit stchristophers.org.uk