Charity drops ‘hospice’ from name as it is frightening potential beneficiaries

A care charity has removed the word “hospice” from its name because it is deterring people from using its services.

Wolverhampton based Compton Hospice has changed its name to Compton Care after carrying out research among patients, staff and supporters, which found that many associated the word “hospice” with being a “place you go to die”.

The charity says that “this negative perception has contributed to people often becoming fearful of accessing care from Compton, as well as healthcare professionals making referrals only in the final weeks or days of a person’s life”.

Compton hopes the name change ensure that people with complex, long term or incurable diseases and conditions, access the charity’s care at an earlier stage and for longer.

The name change is part of a new strategy for the charity that includes investing in a £2.5m Care Coordination Centre, for patients across Wolverhampton, the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

“Our new clinical strategy and brand marks an exciting step for Compton – one that continues to put the patient at the heart of care delivery,” said Claire Marshall, Compton Care chief executive.

“Our research with patients, families and supporters highlighted key challenges surrounding access to hospice care – namely fear about who we are and what being referred to us means.

“We’re on a mission to remove this fear and break down barriers to service access to ensure more patients get referred to us earlier, so we can treat them sooner and help them live better lives.”