LORD AND LADY RANGER HOST EXCLUSIVE DINNER IN SUPPORT OF THAMES HOSPICE

During the evening, keynote speeches highlighted the vital role that Thames Hospice and other hospices play in the UK health and social care system, their response to the coronavirus pandemic and the long-term changes needed to the UK health sector.

Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice Chief Executive Officer, took the opportunity to brief supporters and the Secretary of State for Health: “Today, right now, we have many people experiencing serious illnesses as a result of the pandemic. With our aging population we will see as many people dying every day in 10 years’ time as at the peak of the first wave. It is essential that hospices are given a seat at the table to help plan our healthcare so that people living with a serious illness get the care and support they need.”

The Rt. Hon. Theresa May, former Prime Minister and MP for Maidenhead, has been a long-time supporter of Thames Hospice. Mrs May said: “I have watched and supported as Thames Hospice has adapted and grown its services in the last two years to make sure that no patient or family members feels alone with a terminal illness.  This responsive pragmatic approach to a fast-changing health care environment is the excellence we should all be striving for.”

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid who is currently tasked with equipping health and social care with the leadership and funding it will need in the coming years said: “I am very encouraged to hear about the innovative and proactive work of Thames Hospice to understand their patients and then adapt services, it reminds us all of the essential health partnerships around the country that keep our communities well cared for.”

Left to Right: First row – Mr Niranjan Deva, Mrs Minnie Bhagnani,
Lady Renu Ranger, Lord Rami Ranger CBE, Mr Khemchand Bhagnani and Dr Ashraf Chohan: Second row (seating) : H.E. Gaitri Issar Kumar, High Commissioner of India, H.E. Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, High Commissioner of Bangladesh and Mrs Romana Chohan

The evening launched the Thames Hospice Patrons Club, a new major giving initiative aimed at sustaining inpatient care to help patients facing a life-limiting condition to live the best possible quality of life, supporting their families and ensuring the Hospice continues to be a centre of excellence for all those who need palliative and end-of-life and care.

Lord and Lady Ranger CBE are Ambassadors and Patrons for Thames Hospice and hosted the dinner for friends and other Thames Hospice supporters. Lord Rami Ranger said: “The work of Thames Hospice is fundamental in supporting individuals through the most traumatic time. We couldn’t think of a better way to support, and encourage our peers to become Patrons like we are.”