ellenor patients and staff are stars of new TV series

Local charity ellenor is to be the star of a groundbreaking TV series called The Hospice.

The TV channel Together will broadcast the documentary series, which focuses on the lives of patients under the care of the Kent hospice, which provides an individualised approach to end-of-life care for people of all ages.

This series was produced by the creators of Channel 5’s long-running series GP: Behind Closed Doors.

The first of 13 hour-long episodes will be shown on Tuesday May 8 at 10pm on Freeview channel 93, Sky 539 (159 after May 1), Virgin 269 and Freesat 164.

The series will follow the stories of adults and children who receive care in their own homes or at the inpatient ward in Gravesend.

It will show the expertise, passion and commitment with which the staff and volunteers support the patients and their families.

In the first episode Dr Nikki Anne Rodwell meets Jill, 60, who has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour. The hospice staff agree a care plan to meet the wishes of Jill and her family.

Jill says: ‘I knew as soon as I got diagnosed that this was the place I wanted to be. But it is not a service you tend to think about, until you actually need it.’

The series introduces David, aged 34, who has an autoimmune disease that has made him blind and unable to swallow solid food.

Viewers will also meet two-year-old Harriet, who suffers from a heart condition and comes in for regular check-ups.

At the hospice, the specialist facilities available in the Fun Club enable her to have respite care and to play together with her twin sister and brother in a safe environment while her parents are given an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions they may have with the ellenor team.

Alexander Kann, Chief Executive of Together, said: ‘We are proud to be shining a light on the amazing work of the doctors, nurses, support staff and hundreds of volunteers that make ellenor’s work possible.

‘Providing people with comfort, compassion and dignity in end-of-life and palliative care is one of the most valuable services in our society.

‘Hospices are at the heart of community and the public should be more aware of the amazing work hospices like ellenor do every day.’

Claire Cardy, Chief Executive of ellenor, added: ‘This documentary reminds me why I am so proud of the work that goes on at ellenor, every day, by our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

‘While encountering new and unique challenges they never fail to deliver an exceptional standard of care to patients and their families.’