The Starlight Centre at the Peace Hospice is reaching out to help more people living in south west Hertfordshire to live longer and cope with life threatening illnesses.

That message was delivered this week by Peace Hospice Director of Patient Services, Jackie Tritton, at a special presentation to doctors and nurses at Watford General Hospital.

Together with the hospice’s Community Liaison Referrals Coordinator, Sara Denton, and Medical Director Dr Anne-Louise Jennings, day services at the Peace Starlight Centre were explained with an aim to raise awareness and understanding and attract even more patients.

Jackie said: "People are living much longer with life limiting illnesses and self-managing their conditions.

"We support self-management, but there are a lot of people who are not accessing our services. We want to change that. "Our biggest challenge is getting our message out to healthcare professionals and reaching more patients at an earlier stage of their illness.

"The Starlight Centre offers a range of services to improve patients wellbeing and suit their individual needs."

The Starlight Centre, is the base for the Peace Hospice’s Day Services and offers a variety of services to patients, their carers and families whose lives are affected by cancer and other conditions. The centre provides clinics, workshops and courses for groups and individuals to provide support, skills, advice, information and therapeutic interventions.

Services are available for people with a life limiting illness and their families from across south west Hertfordshire.

Patients can access the services at the Starlight Centre through a referral process made by their healthcare professionals.

Statistics researched by Macmillan revealed that in 2010 there were 5,402 people diagnosed with cancer in the Hertfordshire area with a 20 per cent increase in the 45 - 74 years age group.

But of the 4,000 people who die each year in the Peace Hospice catchment area, only 25 per cent are supported. Jackie added: "The Starlight Centre is a gateway to our services. We want to encourage more people to use these services and improve their quality of life."

To find out more about Day Services at the Starlight Centre call 01923 330332.