Mountbatten hospice's yellow van helps isolated patients

Mountbatten Hampshire's yellow van will be a mobile hub for information sessions and support groups.

Mountbatten Hampshire director of operations, Becky McGregor, cuts the ribbon (Image: Mountbatten Hampshire)

The project was made possible by grant funding from the Masonic Charitable Foundation and support from Vansco, Advanced Locksmiths, Atlas Conversions, SC Tints, and Extreme Signs.

Mary Cordina, from Atlas Mobility Conversions, said: "We hand-built a lot of it, to meet what Mountbatten needed.

"It was a lovely job to do.

"For me, it's very, very important to support Mountbatten Hampshire."

The community van (Image: Mountbatten Hampshire)

The van will be staffed by Mountbatten’s specialist community nursing team.

They aim to increase the provision of palliative and end-of-life care, reaching isolated patients and those unaware of the 24/7 expert care available.

Mountbatten Hampshire’s head of community and public engagement, Chrissie Dawson and community nurse specialist, Sue Bell, will be among those driving it (Image: Mountbatten Hampshire)

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), parts of Southampton are among the most deprived areas of Hampshire.

The community hub will visit these areas, along with Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hedge End, North Baddesley, Romsey, West Meon, Wickham, Colden Common, and Winchester.

Ms Dawson and Ms Bell inside the van (Image: Mountbatten Hampshire)

Peter Griffiths from Advanced Locksmiths said: "We were called in by Vansco to sort out the keys.

"We added extra ones, to ensure there are enough for all the Mountbatten staff members who will be driving the van.

"It's lovely, isn't it?

"It's come on a long way since we saw it as a shell."

Inside the community van (Image: Mountbatten Hampshire)

Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO, said: "Mountbatten Hampshire is delighted to be rolling out this incredibly accessible van.

"It will play a huge role in helping our charity reach new communities across Southampton and parts of Hampshire, ensuring our vital expertise and 24/7 hospice and at-home care, plus bereavement support, is available to those who need it.

"Two-thirds funded by the public through donations and grants, and with Mountbatten’s NHS contribution failing to rise in line with inflation, our charity is seeking increased community support.

"Thank you to those organisations and individuals who have worked alongside us to support the delivery of Mountbatten Hampshire’s new community vehicle."

Mountbatten's aim is to change public perceptions around death, dying, and bereavement, and to meet the needs of everyone who requires care and support, ensuring that no one is ignored.