Support team for dying patients marks its first birthday (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Support team for dying patients in the Durham dales marks its first birthday

2:39pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Duncan Leatherdale

A TEAM who visit dying people’s homes to offer comfort and support in the last few hours is celebrating its first birthday.

County Durham’s three Marie Curie Rapid Response Team’s started in the Durham Dales, Easington and Derwentside around about a year ago.

Now the Durham dales team, which has half a dozen health care assistants, is celebrating its birthday.

Senior health care assistants Laura Watson and David English said they make up to 250 visits a month.

They aim to be with a person within an hour of the charity being contacted and offer support and help to palliative patients and their families.

Ms Watson said: “Sometimes it’s just about being there to hold their hands.

“It can be very sad but it is very rewarding knowing we are providing such a vital service.”

Mr English said: “Often us being there means people are able to stay at home rather than go into a hospital which is a great comfort for many people.”

The service is run by the Marie Curie charity and relies on donations to keep going.

Gillian Foreman, acting clinical lead nurse, said: “Our staff are very dedicated to the service.

“When they are not at work they are often out raising funds and organising events to support the charity.”

For more information on fundraising contact Mr English on 07779-850739.

The rapid response team can be contacted 4 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, on 07718-695067.