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We're Turning Japanese!

Day Hospice patients at St Oswald's have been trying out chopsticks and trying on kimonos to mark a St Oswald's Japanese Day.

The day was arranged with the help of Day Hospice patient, Sandra Myers, and incorporated origami, Japanese calligraphy, simple language lessons, a Japanese tea party, floral art displays, sushi tasting and the Day Hospice was decked out for the occasion with Japanese style decorations!

Helena Knipe, Occupational Therapist at St Oswald's said:

"Every month in Day Hospice has a theme and activities are arranged around this.  August was International Month and as Sandra, one of our patients, has a particular interest in Japan we decided to devote an entire day to Japan.  The Day Hospice was decorated accordingly and staff and volunteers dressed in kimonos and even sumo suits for the occasion!  On the whole the Japanese Day was a great success which the patients thoroughly enjoyed."

Day Hospice patient, Sandra Myers said:

"I've had an interest in all things Japanese for years.  I truly believe that having an interest keeps me focussed and distracts me from thinking about cancer 24/7.  When the staff at St Oswald's suggested incorporating a Japanese Day into the ‘International Month' I was over the moon.  The day was so much fun and everyone put in a real effort. 

"I've really enjoyed sharing my interest with others at St Oswald's, I feel like I've been able to give something back for everything Day Hospice has done for me.  Before I started coming to St Oswald's I never got out, now I thoroughly look forward to coming.  People often think a Hospice is about dying, events like the Japanese day prove that it's about living and making the most of the time we all have.  If I didn't have cancer this truly would be the best time of my life and that's all thanks to the fantastic service St Oswald's provides."

Day Hospice is a nurse-managed unit, offering respite and support.  Patients can relax and enjoy spending time with others, learn new skills, have complementary therapy and take part in relaxation and exercise classes, while being informally assessed and monitored by the care team.

St Oswald's provides hospice care to adults and children from across the North East.  No charge is made for the service, ensuring care is available for all.  Annual running costs now exceed £6million of which £4.5million must be raised through voluntary giving.