NURSES delivering vital care to people with terminal illnesses in Weymouth and Portland are looking for support from local businesses.

Marie Curie Nurses will be visiting patients in the area during the daytime, in addition to the regular overnight nursing care at home service currently provided.

To aid the nursing team in supporting as many patients for as long as they can each day, the charity is appealing to local businesses or groups for a donation of a satellite navigation device or a gift of £70, so one can be purchased.

This extended daytime ‘multi-visit service’ is being rolled out across the county of Dorset and is already active in East Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole.

Kate Norris, clinical nurse manager for Dorset said: “Our team of around a hundred Marie Curie nurses currently provide home based care to more than 1,200 local people every year.

“We were very lucky to have received a donation of £68 earlier this year from the Lions Club of Christchurch for a satellite navigation system for our East Dorset multi-visit team and it has enabled us to get to patients faster and therefore spend a greater amount of time with them.

“We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can help us fund one for Weymouth and Portland.”

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness supporting them and their families by delivering expert hands-on end of life nursing care, emotional support, research and guidance.

It is hoped that more people who wish to remain at home at the end of life will be able to do so in Dorset with the additional support of the daytime service.

To get help from the Marie Curie nursing service, talk to your GP, district nurse or discharge nurse or for more information call the support helpline on 0800 090 2309.

Lines are open from 9am to 5pm and calls from landlines are free of charge.

For more information about the sat nav appeal or to donate one please call community fundraiser Amy Llewellyn on 07515 190352 or email amy.llewellyn@mariecurie.org.uk