St Michael’s has been at the forefront of the Hospice care movement since 1984. By sharing our knowledge and expertise with other healthcare professionals, we have played an important role in revolutionising palliative care.

With people living longer than ever before, our professional staff and trained volunteers are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients and their families and carers. 

We want to enable you to do the things you want to do and make your life easier and more comfortable.

Our multi-skilled and highly trained nurses, doctors, therapists and other members of the care team support people diagnosed with any terminal illness. We care for cancer and non-cancer patients, and because everyone’s illness is unique, we offer a range of different treatments.

Our regular outpatient clinics and support groups can give you the confidence and advice to help you live well with your illness. They also provide an opportunity to discuss your health and medication, and refer you to other Hospice services.

For example, people with fatigue and breathlessness can benefit from courses offering practical advice. Our occupational and physiotherapists can help alleviate or control a range of symptoms, and with personalised exercise programmes and home adaptations, they can make a real improvement to independent living.

Our person-centred approach means we also provide psychological and emotional support from our counselling service and social care team.

Visiting the Hospice offers you a chance to socialise, meet new friends and take part in activities that range from arts and craft sessions to informative talks.
Many of our services are also available for your family and carers.

With our free car park, it’s also easy to visit the Hospice shop and cafe to enjoy a snack and a drink with friends.

For patients who wish to stay at home, we provide a Hospice at Home service. Hospice care staff can visit you at home to offer support and discuss your care.

Towards the final stages of your illness, we can arrange for our skilled nurses and healthcare assistants to provide hands-on nursing care in your home at times when you and your family need it. We will also inform and direct you to other Hospice and community services.

As an inpatient, you will have access to all the day services and specialist clinics mentioned above. Our first class facilities and specialist team will ensure you are treated with dignity and compassion, and have the best possible care at all times.

Within a relaxed and peaceful environment, patients have large en-suite private bedrooms surrounded by communal spaces overlooking open countryside. Family and friends can visit you at any time, and they can stay overnight in your room or within the Hospice building. Our staff passionately believe in making every day of your life as good as it can be. Staff regularly help families celebrate special occasions and are always enthusiastic about fulfilling patients’ wishes.

We organise events, activities and one-to-one sessions to support you and your family.

Whether you need financial advice or practical support, we can help you access the relevant Hospice or community services.

We organise age-appropriate activities which give children and young people a chance to share experiences, ask challenging questions and talk about their feelings in a safe environment.

For adults, sometimes it’s easier to talk about painful experiences with someone you don’t know, and our listening support volunteers are trained to help you have the space to think, express emotions and to process what is going on.

Find out about our social work service

Treatments provided by our complementary therapists can help relieve stress, anxiety and pain. Massage, reflexology and acupuncture are just some of the treatments they provide to help you and the people close to you feel relaxed, pampered and calmer, making life feel better.

Whatever faith or beliefs you may have, our spiritual care team can be there for you if you need them.

We are interested in everyone’s story, and whatever your hopes, fears, joys or sorrows, our staff have the compassion and understanding to help answer some of the questions you or your loved ones may have.

The Iona Room (Chapel) is a quiet space where all visitors to St Michael’s are welcome to sit and reflect, light a candle, listen to music or just enjoy the peace.