Thousands will be helped by ELF Community Support Programme

Earlier in the year, the ELF Community Support Programme was launched to help the wider community who have been diagnosed of leukaemia and other blood disorders, who have been referred to the RD&E Hospital.

Three distinct services of accommodation, transport and advice are now fully operational and will help thousands of patients and loved ones every year. All these services are FREE to the patient and loved one, although donations are welcomed.

Accommodation
Initially the charity rented a 2 bedroom apartment just 5 minutes from the hospital, for patients, their relatives and loved ones to use. Such was the demand, the charity decided to rent a second apartment. By the end of July, the charity has organised 134 night’s accommodation, with a combined occupancy rate of approaching 90%.

Christine Scriven, patient’s wife said, “I arrived here exhausted and distraught – this flat has become my cocoon and safe haven … my world has become more manageable – Thank you.”

Transport
Patients often have to travel significant distances to the RD&E Hospital for clinic appointments, day case treatments and for admissions. By offering a FREE door to door service the charity is reducing the stress and cost of these journeys along with removing the anxiety of finding a car parking space at the hospital. Employing 2 dedicated patient drivers, backed up by Capital Taxis, the service has proved in a very short time to be exceptionally popular and needed. In July alone the charity organised 325 journeys and is expected that annually this will be in the region of 4500 journeys.

Patient, Alan Sampson commented, “This week, the only day when I could have a transfusion was a day when I had no transport of my own.  I didn’t know about ELF’s service but was recommended by one of the nurses.  I contacted ELF and my problem was solved – just like that!  It’s marvellous.”

Advice
In May the charity formed a partnership with Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, which enables patients to access benefits and welfare advice in a timely manner with a dedicated ELF advisor. Guaranteeing at least 32 one hour appointments per month.  The feedback received to date for users of the service has been heartening. The cost of cancer can be very expensive and stressful to the patient and with the advisor’s help the individual can access the financial support they are entitled to.

Dale Edwards, CEO of ELF “The Community Support Programme is a massive operational and financial undertaking for the charity to deliver much needed services. All connected with the charity have been delighted and amazed at how quickly all services have been taken up. The feedback and testimonials received from the beneficiaries and hospital staff is wonderful. We are investigating other ways we can help patients and are in the process of recruiting a new driver to cope with demand”.

For more information about ELF please visit www.elfcharity.org.uk or contact Tracy Milton on 01392 247725, enquire@elfcharity.org.uk