Where is the Day Hospice and what facilities are on offer?
How often can I attend?
Can I attend Day Hospice for the rest of my life?
What’s the point of attending Day Hospice?
What happens during the day?
I cannot get to the Hospice, can you help?
Is lunch provided?
Do I need to bring my medication with me?
What happens if you make changes to my medication?
Where is the Day Hospice and what facilities are on offer?
Day Hospice runs in a special part of the new Hospice building. We have a large bright room opening on to our beautiful Hospice gardens. We have a quiet room, a space for reflection and creativity. We also have a treatment room for complementary therapies and a hairdressing salon. You may come to visit to see what is on offer.
How often can I attend?
This is flexible but most patients attend once a week, on a Tuesday or a Thursday, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
Can I attend Day Hospice for the rest of my life?
Most patients attend on average for about three months but each patient’s needs are reviewed individually on a regular basis by our nursing and medical team. Some patients attend for less and some patients attend for longer as needs change.
When you are discharged from Day Hospice we will work with you to find out how to offer continuing support in the community.
What Is the point of attending Day Hospice?
There are a range of benefits including support from others in similar circumstances and the opportunity to meet with a healthcare professional to discuss particular concerns. You may also be able to see one of our doctors, a member of the Supportive Care Team, one of our physiotherapists or a complementary therapist for specific treatments.
Perhaps, most importantly, it is a safe space to share your worries and thoughts with the Hospice team of staff and volunteers.
What happens during the day?
Every day is different! You may spend a quiet day with us talking and reflecting and perhaps
seeing the doctor or the nurse. You may want to engage with creative activity, have your hair done or have your walking assessed by our physiotherapist. You might want help with a specific problem such as finances, or meet with somebody to talk about family worries – we will work with you to make the best use of your time in Day Hospice.
I cannot get to the Hospice, can you help?
We have a team of volunteer car drivers who can collect you and return you home. If travelling is more difficult, then we have a specially adapted Hospice minibus, able to take wheelchairs. A trained staff member would accompany you on the journey. We would discuss your travelling needs with you.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, we provide a lovely lunch and refreshments during the day.
Do I need to bring my medication with me?
Yes, that would be helpful. An up to date list of your medications will help us to understand your treatment. During the day we can assist you to take your medication if needed, but on the whole we would leave this up to you. Our nurse or doctor may review your medication with you if you have concerns or your symptoms are not under good control.
What happens if you make changes to my medication?
If we suggest changes, we will always let your GP or Community Nurse know about these changes, either by phone or letter. We work closely with those who care for you at home so that everybody is up to date with any changes.