People being supported by Les Bourgs Hospice and Guernsey Motor Neurone will be able to use new ‘cuddle beds’ while they or a loved one are receiving treatment and care.
Costing almost £17,000 each, the beds widen to a double bed at the touch of a button, giving partners and family members the chance to lie side by side at the most difficult of times.
This new initiative between the two charities is using some of the funds raised through The Big Hour initiative and money from existing GMN funds.
The plan is that three of the seven beds at Les Bourgs Hospice beds will be replaced with the new cuddle beds, said CEO Rob Jones.
“We are extremely grateful for not only this incredible donation but also the opportunity to work closely with Guernsey Motor Neurone. As a charity they are a lifeline for those living with MND and their families and Les Bourgs have a hospice facility and highly qualified team to provide the level of respite and end of life care needed by those with the disease. These cuddle beds will provide a new level of care and support for MND patients and their families.”
While Les Bourgs Hospice offers care for people with terminal conditions and support for their loved ones, GMN supports those living with Motor Neurone Disease and their families.
The partnership between the two organisations comes at a time when there’s growing evidence of the value of physical contact to both those with a terminal illness and their families and close friends.
Physical contact provides emotional support and well-being and has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health. Further scientific studies are beginning to show that physical contact can reduce anxiety and stress improving emotional comfort. Studies also show that endorphins released through physical touch can help reduce pain.
“The physical effects of Motor Neurone Disease can be devastating as the body shuts down leaving the brain untouched,” said GMN’s Press and Publicity Officer Susie Hunt.
“But cuddle beds are a great way of maintaining the physical presence of loved ones and we should never underestimate the power of physical touch.”
Money raised by Jean Owen through her initiative The Big Hour for Guernsey Motor Neurone will pay for the third cuddle bed.
“I’m delighted we are able to help with the purchase of a cuddle bed for Les Bourgs Hospice. Sometimes being close to your loved one at the most tender of times is the only thing you can offer and I hope that this will give some comfort to both the patients and their families.”
The beds have the same footprint as standard ward beds but allow space to lie side by side, making a huge difference for palliative care patients and their families.
Les Bourgs and GMN hope other local charities and businesses will now get behind the partnership and fund the remaining cuddle beds.