Frequently Asked Questions:

 

How do I find out more about attending day hospice?

Your St Catherine’s community nurse will probably be the first person to discuss whether or not attending day hospice may be of help to you and your carers.  However, other members of the hospice team may discuss this with you as well.

Where does day hospice take place?

Our day hospice is located in a specifically designed area of the main hospice building in Crawley.  We have a large room with a conservatory which opens out onto the gardens.   

How often would I come?

Most patients benefit from attending once a week on a fixed day but it is flexible and some people come every other week.  Day hospice is open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Up to 15 people can attend on any one day.   

How long will I attend day hospice for?

There is no standard length of time. The length of your attendance will depend on your individual circumstances.  The hospice team regularly reviews your care to ensure that attending continues to be of benefit to you and your carers. This is because your palliative care needs can change.  The needs of some patients may decrease to the point that they no longer require input from the hospice and sometimes we will discharge you back to the care of your GP and District Nurse or to another health or social care agency.

Your care is constantly reviewed and any changes to your care will be discussed and planned with you and others involved in your care.

What typically happens during the day?

The day is structured around planned therapeutic and diversional activities but no two days are ever the same.  Your time at day hospice depends on what you would like to get out of it and which things will make a difference to you.  

For some people, this might mean joining in with a group activity or chatting and socialising over a pre-lunch drink. For others it might mean taking part in arts activities, going out on one of the day trips, enjoying a massage or reflexology session or joining in a relaxation class.

Attending day hospice also provides an opportunity for you to meet up with other members of the hospice team, for example our welfare advisor or spiritual care co-ordinator.

What are the benefits of day hospice?

• You can discuss your worries and concerns with the members of the hospice team and volunteers and be reassured that we understand how you feel and that we are here to support you.
• You can give your loved ones and carers a short break.
• You can access beneficial treatments like massage and physiotherapy that may help you feel better and more relaxed.
  

How do I get to day hospice?

If you or your family can provide transport, this is very helpful.  Visitors’ car parking is located to the front the hospice.

If you do not have access to transport, we have a team of volunteer car drivers who can pick you up and return you home.

If getting into a car is difficult, we have a specially adapted traveller bus which is able to take wheelchairs.  An appropriately trained member of staff accompanies the traveller bus to assist you from the house and on to the bus. However, if there any difficulties for you getting in and out of the house, please discuss this with us and we will arrange for an assessment to be made to ensure your comfort and safety.

In certain circumstances ambulance transport may be required which will be organised by the day hospice nursing staff.

Do I need to bring any refreshments with me?

No, we provide refreshments throughout the day, including pre-lunch drinks, home cooked lunch and afternoon tea with freshly baked cakes. There is no charge for food and drinks, but you can make a donation if you wish to do so.

What do I do if I need medication during the day?

You need to bring your own drugs with you if you require them during the day.  They remain your property and responsibility while you are with us.

What happens if I need assistance to take my medication?

If for any reason you cannot self-medicate, one of our nurses will discuss this with you and your carers and make arrangements for this to be possible.

Do I see the doctor regularly at the day hospice?

No, you may see one of the hospice doctors as part of your three monthly review, but whilst you are a community patient your GP remains primarily responsible for your medical care. Sometimes there may be a specific reason for you to have an additional medical review which will be organised by your St Catherine’s community nurse or the senior nurse in day hospice.