GREAT Oaks Hospice in Coleford is appealing for unwanted baby monitors as part of a scheme that provides reassurance for patients and their carers.

Sally Taylor, community service lead for hospice at home and outreach, said: “As a patient’s situation changes or as they approach the end of life, their families need reassurance that they can hear them if they call out. As part of our Hospices at Home scheme, our nurses can stay in a patient’s home overnight or during the day, but even with that it’s impossible to be with someone all the time.

“We’re asking for unwanted baby monitors, in good working order, to give them this confidence and reassurance. If people can bring the monitors to the hospice, or drop them into our charity shops, that would be very much appreciated.

“Usually we buy the monitors and we give them to patients and their families free of charge. When they are no longer needed, the last thing on a family’s mind is returning them to us, which is understandable and which we don’t mind at all, but it means we need a constant supply.

“They are amazingly valuable as they aren’t intrusive at all. We offer the ‘Hospice at Home’ service alongside the district nursing team, and they will often recommend the service if they think it will be helpful. We do what we can but demand always outweighs availability.”

To find out more about the work of the hospice, contact Great Oaks on (01594) 811910 or visit www.great-oaks.org.uk