A hospital charity is launching a new fundraising appeal to support patients in their final days.

Watford General Hospital’s charity Raise is joining forces with the hospital’s palliative care team to seek funds for its Rose project to ensure patients have all the care and support they need.

The majority of hospital deaths are expected but many patients do not have loved ones to support them and can experience loneliness and anxiety.

Palliative care team leader Liz Sumner said: “We’ve been developing our Rose project to promote dignity and compassion for our dying patients.

“At the heart of the initiative will be a team of volunteers specially trained to provide patients with companionship, a listening ear and a comforting hand to hold when they need it most.”

Up to four people a day at the hospital benefit from its end-of-life care and the charity is looking for £50,000 to fund the Rose project for two years.

Rose volunteer Irene Wilson said: “Death is a natural part of life, unfortunately.

“No one should die alone unless of course they choose to but very few do.

“I know from my own experience that families and relatives can be emotionally adrift, and they just need someone to take care of them to be there.”

To support the initiative, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/roseproject or call 01923 436177 or 07393 232313.