WHAT DO WE DO?

 

When it is no longer realistic to speak of a cure, Hospice provides specialised palliative care to enable patients to remain in their own home.  We help the family/carers to assist patients to live actively and with dignity until they die.  Our patients have ranged in age from 6 weeks to 99 years with a variety of illnesses.  Unfortunately a number of current patients have young children.  Our care is focused on the family as much as the patient as we assist them through this period.  The Hospice team will assist and support alongside the patient’s own doctor, the Hospice Medical Director and other professional services.

 

The service provided by our local Hospice has expanded rapidly over the last few years since its formal establishment as a Charitable Trust in 1992.  Anyone who has experienced Hospice Services will know what tremendous support and care is given at a time that is nearly always traumatic for patients and families alike.  Currently many families are receiving such support.

 

 

WHO IS THIS SERVICE FOR?

Ø    Any member of our community who has a terminal illness

Ø    Hospice services are available to all people regardless of their race, ethnic background, age, religion, gender or nature of illness,

Ø    All Hospice services are available free of charge.

 

 

HOW ARE PATIENTS REFERRED TO HOSPICE?

A GP, District Nurse, Cancer Society, Hospitals or Clergy may refer a patient.  Alternatively a family member may contact the Hospice for help and assistance, provided the patient gives consent.  A patient may also seek help from a Hospice.

 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PATIENT IS REFERRED TO HOSPICE?

A Hospice Nurse visits each new referral.  After explaining how Hospice can assist, she will consider the physical symptoms, mental, spiritual and emotional needs of the patient and family, and in consultation with the patient, the GP, the Hospice Medical Director, other professionals and trained volunteers, plan to meet their needs.  The patient’s own requirements are paramount in this assessment.

 

 

Education Programme

Specialist palliative care training for our nurses

Hospice orientation for volunteers

      In-house courses for-:

 Homecare volunteers; Grief Support volunteers; Shoppe volunteers.