Out-of-Hours Specialist Palliative Care Service

At St Nicholas Hospice Care, we know that illness and uncertainty don’t stop at the end of the day. That’s why we’re piloting a new Out-of-Hours (OOH) Specialist Palliative Care Service to support people and families in our community during evenings, the nights and weekends when you may feel most alone or unsure.

When is it available?

This pilot service runs three to four nights a week, complementing the support offered by our 24-hour advice line. While the days of the week vary, our team is here to provide a timely and compassionate response when the service is active. Please note this service does not run seven days a week. 

Who is the service for?

This service is for people living with life-limiting illnesses, and their families or carers, who need urgent palliative care support. This might include:

• Managing symptoms

• Providing emotional reassurance and crisis support

• Helping with practical care needs

• Offering guidance or education to family carers.

How do I access it?

If you need support during the night, call our 24-hour advice line on 01284 766133. Our trained team will assess your needs and, if the OOH service is operating that night, you may receive a visit from a member of our OOH team.

This doesn’t replace our 24/7 advice line

Even if the OOH visiting team isn’t available that night, you will still receive advice and support over the phone. Please continue to call our 24/7 advice line if you need support with symptom management and end of life care – 01284 766133.

Help us shape the future of this service

Your experience matters. This pilot will help us understand what families and patients need most at night and how we can build on this.

If you’ve used the service — or tried to — we’d really value your feedback, please click here to share your feedback.

We’re here to support you and those you care about — whenever we’re needed most.