Our project aim is to enhance patient choice by providing 7-day palliative care service supporting our local community.

We are committed to talking to you about our progress with this project. 

Update:  We will be holding an information event on 1 December 2008 to discuss the service you can expect when you refer a patient.

Existing patients will continue to receive our advice and support, however, some of the changes we are making may affect their care and we will discuss these changes with you and our patients as they arise.   We will continue to attend your GSF or Practice meetings and you will start to see some new faces at these meetings. 

We believe the benefits of our new service will be:

• more of those who wish to receive care and to die at home will be able to do so, in line with the Department of Health's End of Life Strategy.
• fewer unplanned admissions to the hospice or to hospital for pain and symptom management.
• more opportunities for patients to attend a variety of short-term support programmes through our day services.  These will focus on improving quality of life.

We will continue to provide in-patient care for those in need of symptom control, respite care and end of life care.

Our new community service will incorporate: 

• 7 days a week community visiting and telephone service (8 am-8 pm)
• enhanced on-call arrangements (8 pm-8 am)
• practical ‘hands-on’ care, to complement our current advisory service
• early-intervention programmes, run by St Catherine’s Day Services at the hospice.

The new community service will provide:

• 24/7 contact with the hospice
• individually tailored packages of care (less active involvement if needs decrease, more involvement when needs increase) for practical, emotional and physical support.
• advice, support and hands-on practical care helping people who wish to stay at home to do so.
• a team approach allowing greater flexibilty and capacity.
• working in partnership with our local commissioners and providers including GPs, PCTs, district nursing teams, and Marie Curie night sitting service.

If you have any questions please email: serviceupdate@stch.org.uk