Monday 10 October 2022
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester visited Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice this week where she met patients, and long-serving staff and volunteers.
The visit, which took place on Monday 10 October, coincided with the start of Hospice Care week, an annual celebration to raise awareness of the important role of hospice care nationwide. Her Royal Highness took the opportunity to thank staff for their commitment to the hospice, speaking to some of the specialist doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and rehabilitation staff who provide expert, around the clock care to 3,000 patients every year. The Duchess also spoke to patients on the inpatient ward and their families and heard their stories about the care and support they have received from the hospice team.
A moment of remembrance
There was a moment of remembrance during the visit when The Duchess of Gloucester planted a tree in the hospice’s grounds in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth as part of The Queen’s Canopy Project, which aims to improve our shared environment by planting trees across the globe.
Hospice Chief Executive, Kate Heaps, said: “We were incredibly honoured to be visited by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester today. It made us all feel so proud that The Duchess recognised the huge difference our amazing team make to the people of Royal Greenwich and Bexley at an incredibly difficult time in their lives.” She added,
“The planting of a tree in our beautiful gardens as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy project added an extra special element to an already wonderful occasion.”