We know that every person is different. You and your family will have unique needs and wishes. Your journey will therefore be different. If you use our services we’ll put in place the best support we can for you as an individual. The information below will give you a good idea of what to expect if you are a patient, but if you would like more detail please call us on 01295 811 866.
In the first instance, most people will be referred to our community specialist nurse team, or sometimes to our hospital palliative care team.
One of our clinical nurse specialists (CNS) will visit you at home. The first visit will take as long as you need – often up to two hours - and your nurse will talk to you to gain an understanding of who you are and what your current needs and wishes are. It’s also a chance to understand how those closest to you are coping and if they need any help. People often find it really helpful to talk to someone who understands their situation and knows what health and social care is available to meet different needs.
After this first visit your nurse will keep in touch in person or via telephone, and will be able to talk to you and give advice on your medicines and treatments. As part of this ongoing support, your nurse will liaise with your GP and district nurse as well as your hospital consultant to ensure that you get the best ongoing treatment. You can also talk to your nurse about your emotional, social and spiritual needs, as well as those of your close family and friends. You can discuss whether you or your family would benefit from additional support in these areas.
If your symptoms should get difficult then your nurse will liaise with your GP and our inpatient team, and we may be able to offer you an outpatient appointment with one of our doctors or a bed for a week or two. If you do stay with us, your care would be led by a doctor who is a consultant in palliative medicine and you would receive 24 hour nursing from our team of expert nurses. When your symptoms have become more manageable again you would be discharged home and your nurse will continue to look after you there.
Some people come to the hospice once, some several times, and many never come in at all. Sometimes an outpatient appointment with one of our consultants is enough to support your symptom management. These outpatient appointments usually happen at the hospice, but occasionally the consultant will visit you at home.
You might benefit from visiting our day hospice, where you will have extra support from a specialist nurse and a team of nurses and volunteers. You can enjoy a freshly prepared meal and take part in activities such as arts and crafts, complementary therapies and quizzes.
There is also a range of specialists on hand to offer you extra support at the hospice including a social worker, lymphoedema practitioner, chaplain, music therapist and physiotherapist.
Visiting our day hospice gives the person caring for you a little time to themselves, so they can have a day with friends, or go shopping, knowing that you are in a safe environment with the care you need.
Whether you visit us as an inpatient, for day hospice, or one of our nurses visits you at home, we will always remember that your needs and wishes will be individual to you, and we will focus on making sure we support you and your journey so that you can continue living your life.