Day Hospice

"People are so tired and fatigued as a result of their illness that they can't socialise and can feel very isolated; the Day Hospice is a place where they can go to, where they are looked after and feel safe - they can even sleep here if they want to."

Before being referred to the Day Hospice, each person will have had a thorough consultation with the Medical Director, Tony Blower, as an out-patient. If it is felt that the Day Hospice is appropriate the individual is initially invited to attend for one day a week for 12 weeks. The main reason for someone being invited to Day Hospice is to control symptoms, but equally they receive a huge amount of psychological and emotional support.

Each morning there is a hand-over between the multidisciplinary team including the doctor, nurses and social worker regarding the patients arriving that day. People attending Day Hospice have access to this team where they have a chance to discuss their disease, medication and their future. This allows them to work through their issues, so they can make informed decisions and plan for the future.

Individuals are assessed when they first attend Day Hospice and their medication changed according to their needs. Patients are reviewed after eight weeks and may be discharged after 12 weeks if it is appropriate. If not, reviews are made at regular intervals thereafter and they would be given at least four weeks notice before being discharged. If after this their circumstances change, the General Practitioner, Macmillan Nurse or District Nurse can refer them back again.

There are many activities available to those attending Day Hospice. As well as all the complementary therapies, hairdressing and hand care, there are arts and crafts, singing, quizzes, talks and demonstrations. The Hospice operates a Pat-a-Dog scheme and people are able to take their pets (if it is appropriate.)