ELF is proud to have supported the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) for over 40 years.
Since ELF was founded in 1980, we have provided direct support for patients, families and the NHS team on Yarty Ward at the RD&E Hospital.
The support we offer to the ward includes:
Facilities
ELF has funded two building projects at the RD&E Hospital, including the Haematology Centre itself. The Centre, which opened in 2003, is a recognised beacon of excellence, providing treatment and medical care for people with blood cancers and disorders in a warm and comforting environment.
In 2017, following ELF's Chevithorne Fundraising Appeal, ELF fully funded the construction of a critical care unit at the RD&E's Yarty Ward. The private family suite at the end of the ward has a patient room, family room and kitchen, allowing families to stay close to their loved ones at a time of need.
Filling Time Kiosk
Patients and relatives waiting in the Haematology Centre are welcome to free refreshments from our 'Filling Time' kiosk. Situated in the reception area, Filling Time serves free hot and cold drinks, biscuits, soups and snacks to those awaiting Clinical and Day Case appointments. The kiosk is staffed by ELF Patient Liaison Marion, who provides a friendly face and directs patients to the range of ELF services available to them. Filling Time is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 2pm.
Equipment
ELF provides the NHS with vital equipment to help patients and the Yarty Ward staff team. In 2022, ELF provided £20,000 for the purchase of an ultrasound machine to help the nursing team insert cannulas. The machine helps speed up the process and decreases patient waiting time and discomfort. On Yarty ward, ELF has purchased televisions and fridges for the individual isolation rooms where patients can stay one month at a time whilst their immune systems are suppressed. We have also funded fitness equipment to help with patient rehabilitation and wellbeing, blood storage fridges to help make life easier for the hard-working team on the ward, and new plants and pots to brighten the Chevithorne Suite garden.
Patient Support
ELF acts as a liaison between medical staff and patients. We help patients come to terms with their diagnosis, understand their treatment options and listen to any concerns they have. ELF provides a variety of services to support patients and families from diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond, helping to lighten the load of the Yarty Ward team. In the autumn of 2022, we introduced Patient Support Grants for any Haematology patients facing financial hardship, referred to ELF by the hospital team. A patient's income can be severely affected following a life-changing blood cancer diagnosis, and the grants typically bridge the gap until our linked CAB Service has helped individuals apply for the necessary income support payments available to them.
Aromatherapy
ELF funds a complementary aromatherapy and massage therapist, who provides a welcome moment of relaxation and tranquillity for patients undergoing long-term treatment on Yarty Ward.
Research Projects
Yarty Ward is one of the leading Haematology Centres in the UK. ELF is proud to have supported various research projects and clinical trials which have helped to develop and advance the treatments given to patients with blood cancer and related conditions.