Questions and Answers
What is Hospice Care / Palliative Care?
Hospices provide specialist palliative care to people who are suffering from an advanced,
progressive illness that is no longer responsive to curative treatment. The aim of Hospice care is to maximise
the quality of the person's life by providing 'total care' for the patient and family, including physical,
emotional and spiritual support. The hospice is staffed by health professionals who have undergone advanced
training in palliative care.
Who makes decisions?
All decisions regarding care and treatment are made in partnership with the patient, their family
and the hospice team. Family Meetings also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, to plan
discharge arrangements and ongoing support. Other relevant healthcare providers may also be present e.g. your GP,
District Nurse, Cancer Society etc. But of course we are always available for a chat if you have anything you
would like to discuss.
"We consider it important to spend time discussing choices and discovering which option is best for each person."
Does referral to the Hospice automatically involve admission?
No. The aim of palliative care is to control symptoms and if this can be achieved in the home, usually in
collaboration with other services, such as the GP and District Nurses then this is preferred.
What are the factors that determine admission to the Hospice?
These are usually three, with some overlap. Thus if symptom control is not being achieved in the home,
or though out-patient appointments, then a period as an in-patient often helps. If a patient has recently had some
treatment, such as radiotherapy, which can produce troublesome symptoms, then admission can be arranged for this
purpose, with the objective of discharge later.
Is the reason for admission to the Hospice always cancer?
No. Hospice care is available to anyone suffering from an advanced, progressive illness that is
not responsive to curative treatment and includes such illnesses as end stage kidney, respiratory, heart and
neurological diseases and AIDS etc.
Will I have to pay?
No. All care and treatment is provided free of charge.
Visiting
Visitors are welcome at any time. There is no restricted visiting unless requested by the patient
or family. Pets may also visit by arrangement.
What if I have difficulty understanding English?
Interpreters are available on request or you may bring your own.
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