Call our 24/7 advice line for health care professionals and families if you need support with symptom management and end of life care - 01284 766133.
Care & Help overview
On any given day, clinical staff or volunteers could be listening to a patient over a cup of tea, or giving some valuable respite to the family. Most of our support is given to people in their own homes.
Our care is tailored to the needs of each patient. People receiving hospice care might see consultants, doctors, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, complementary therapists and chaplains – some of whom work in a voluntary capacity.
Overview
Support in the community
If given a choice where they would like to receive care, most people would say in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by the people and pets they know. One of our primary aims is to make this happen, wherever possible.
Staff at the Hospice can:
Give advice on the relief of pain and symptoms (in conjunction with the patient’s doctor)
Offer practical advice and emotional support to patients, their family and carers
Liaise with other services which may be able to help with peoples’ care
Offer basic and medical care.
Our inpatient unit: Sylvan Ward
The Hospice’s ward provides 24-hour dedicated, specialised care. The ward has single rooms and single-sex four-bedded rooms overlooking beautiful gardens.
Where possible, the aim of clinical staff is to enable patients to return home as quickly as possible by giving them professional, tailored care while supporting their family members.
The care package given is dependent on the patient’s needs and is delivered in partnership with the patient’s own GP and other external healthcare professionals.
Support for you and your family
Our family support service is provided by social workers, psychological specialists, counsellors and specially trained and supervised volunteers.
We offer:
A confidential counselling and psychological support service for adults and children(see Nicky’s Way)
An independent social work service
Help with money matters
A bereavement service for adults and children
Support for carers
An information centre
A Chaplaincy support service.
Some people find they only need brief contact with the service and carry on with the support of family or friends, while others may stay in contact for a longer period.
Nicky's Way: Children's bereavement service
We also offer an award-winning programme for bereaved children and young people, regardless of whether the person they have lost was known to the Hospice. Lasting for six weeks, the group includes a range of activities, together with a support group for adults. The programme gives the child information that helps to make sense of any questions they may have, as well as offering companionship and a safe place to express how they are feeling.
We can also support by:
Sharing information with you and giving advice on all aspects of care, from diagnosis through to advanced disease. There is an information ‘Open Access’ area at the Hospice. Offering emotional support to patients, families, carers and children.
Helping people to maximise their quality of life through rehabilitation.
Advising on relief of pain and other symptoms
Liaising and acting as advocate with other organisations which may be able to help.
Our care is delivered by a dedicated, skilled multi-disciplinary team, supported by trained volunteers and accomplished administrative staff – tailored to individual needs.