Happy hour at Hospice

28 Oct 2022

Front line caregivers at the St John of God Murdoch Community Hospice identified that a glass of cider, beer or wine - when permitted by the treating doctor - would provide a morale boost for some patients.

Several of our palliative care patients enjoyed a drink last Friday afternoon, when the drinks trolley made its very first round.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital CEO Ben Edwards said the positive effect this had on patients was immediate.

“The feedback has been outstanding, with people uplifted by the opportunity to partake in something ‘normal’ which brought them joy,” Ben said.

The Hospice Thrive Council, whose members meet once a month to work on patient experience projects, initiated this idea.

“These members are the experts in their respective areas and are in the best position to inform changes and make sustainable, successful improvements like the Hospice happy hour, for our patients,” Ben said.

Hospice Nurse Unit Manager Jessica Wirrell said the project has been in the works for a while and will see an uplift in positively for some patients.  

“The Hospice happy hour, which has been in the works for a while, is aimed at bringing some light and enjoyment to our palliative care patients,” Jessica said.

“Our Thrive team were so dedicated in getting this project off the ground and did a wonderful job bringing it to life.”

Patients who request an alcohol beverage must be signed off by their doctor first, and can then be prescribed one standard drink during the happy hour service.

A number of Hospice caregivers and volunteers, as well as CEO Ben Edwards, completed their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate for the initiative.