The specialist beds, which can expand into a double at the touch of a button, are designed to allow patients and their loved ones to lie side-by-side, providing a new level of emotional support and comfort.
The emotional value of this new equipment was a recurring theme at the official unveiling. Rob Jones, CEO of Les Bourgs Hospice, said the beds were a ‘crucial part’ of holistic patient care.
‘It helps in so many ways,’ he said. ‘The first thing is to do with wellbeing. We have a very strong focus on our patients and their families.
‘We know that one of the ways you enhance your wellbeing is by spending time with those you care about, and of course, that includes cuddles and human touch. It makes a significant impact on the psychological experience of being here.’
This was echoed by Susie Hunt, a representative for Guernsey Motor Neurone, which has partnered with the hospice in providing the beds. ‘My mum died in the hospice 30 years ago, and we couldn’t get into bed with her. We couldn’t cuddle her. We couldn’t put the dog on the bed with her.’
She believed the new beds would be a huge step forward for families, offering them the ‘emotional stability to curl up with someone at the most difficult time of their lives’.
The founders of Les Bourgs Hospice, Greville and Lisa Mitchell, expressed their awe at the evolution of the facility since its inception 35 years ago.
‘I think the development of the hospice, from the beginning to something like the cuddle beds, is something I couldn’t have possibly dreamt of,’ said Mr Mitchell. Mrs Mitchell added that the beds will prevent patients from feeling isolated.
Lt-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell, patron of the hospice, highlighted the role of the beds’ role in continuing the emotional bond between patients and their families.
‘It’s what we would wish for ourselves,’ he said. ‘The ability for people who are here as patients to lie down with those who they love, who in many cases have been caring for them for a long time, to continue that emotional bond, there’s no price on that.’
The acquisition of the beds, which cost in the range of £17,000 each, was made possible through a new partnership between Les Bourgs Hospice and Guernsey Motor Neurone.
Mr Jones described the collaboration as a ‘lovely example of how charities can work together’. He noted that GMN’s first-hand experience with motor neurone disease gives them a unique understanding of what patients need. The initial funding for the first three beds was provided by GMN, and Dame Mary Perkins funded the fourth. Before the end of the year the hospice hopes to have seven beds.
Beyond the profound emotional benefits, the new ‘cuddle beds’ also bring significant practical and clinical advantages.
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