News -

ellenor to star in groundbreaking new TV Series 'The Hospice'

Together, the TV channel that inspires people to do good is premiering "The Hospice", a new and original observational documentary series focusing on the lives of the patients, and their families, under the care of ellenor.

This series, commissioned by Together and produced by Knickerbockerglory – the creators of Channel 5’s long-running series ‘GP: Behind Closed Doors’, gives viewers an opportunity to witness the incredibly therapeutic palliative care provided to all ages, from the very young to the very old, by the amazing staff and volunteers at ellenor.

Together will broadcast the first of 13 hour-long episodes of ‘The Hospice’ on Tuesday 8th May at 10pm on Freeview, Sky, Virgin, freesat and on demand services, like TV Player. The series will show how every single precious moment matters as it follows the deeply personal stories of both adults and children who are receiving end-of-life care both in their own homes, and at the ellenor inpatient ward in Gravesend. 

In the first episode Dr. Nikki Anne Rodwell meets Jill, 60, who has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour. With her life drawing to a close, the hospice staff agree an end of life care plan in line with Jill and her family’s wishes. The hospice staff keep a good line of communication open between Jill and her family, nurturing her through the process and keeping her as comfortable and pain free as possible, so that her last days are spent with dignity surrounded by her loved ones.

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.”

We will also meet patients like David, aged 34 years, who has an autoimmune disease that has made him blind and unable to swallow solid food. At the hospice, as soon as he is made comfortable, his family notices an immediate change in him. He is able to enjoy a takeaway curry, shared with his family, and even have a visit from his dog. 

We also meet Harriet, aged 2 years 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.

Hospice UK and Together For Short Lives, to highlight the essential services hospices provide across the UK, will be promoting this series during Dying Matters Week (14-20 May) and Children’s Hospice Week (21-27 May), along with ongoing calls to action around volunteering throughout June and July.

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 a community and the public should be more aware of the amazing work hospices like ellenor do every day. We are partnering with ellenor, Hospice UK and Together For Short Lives to call on all our viewers to raise awareness for hospices and volunteer in hospices and in community care.”

Claire Cardy, Chief Executive of ellenor said: “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. I am confident that this documentary will introduce ellenor to new and varied communities who will be pleased to know that ellenor is always at hand to help them”.

Jonathan Stadlen, MD of Knickerbockerglory, said:“This is a series about normal people going through extraordinary experiences. With this series, we wanted to respectfully tell the stories of those who are living with life-limiting conditions through the voice of the people involved - family, friends, community and doctors, nurses, specialists and the volunteers who make each person get the support they really need.”

Together broadcasts 24-hours on Freeview 93, Sky 159 (as of May 1st), Virgin 269 and freesat 164, and available streamed and on-demand throughwww.togethertv.com, TVPlayer, DailyMotion, YouTube, Facebook and BT TV.

Regions

  • Kent

Contacts

Basia Wilson

Press contact PR Manager 01474320007