Day unit

St Elizabeth Hospice's day unit enables patients and their families to visit the Hospice to receive specific care and support from our multi-disciplinary team.

Each new patient is assessed at an assessment clinic, where they meet together with a doctor, nurse and sometimes a family support worker. This assessment is a chance to introduce the Hospice and its services, discuss concerns, ask questions, identify needs and decide what support is needed. A plan of care is agreed based on the patient's needs and not their diagnosis and includes elements relating to their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs.

We offer care that is tailored to the individual over a set period of time, focussing on patients and families' specific problems, changing the level of care as and when required. By using day care services, patients are helped to remain at home for as long as possible, if this is their wish. The support offered in the day unit includes elements targeting patients' medical needs, as well as those tailored to emotional or spiritual needs. Whichever service is chosen, the care will be reviewed regularly to ensure the most effective support is being offered.

Tailor made care for patients and their families

Day care

Day care provides supportive care to people living with progressive illness, as well as their families and carers.

Our day care service accommodates up to eleven people per day, Monday - Friday. The day starts at 10:00 and finishes at 15:30. Nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, lymphoedema treatment as well as a range of complementary therapies are all available according to need. Support from the family support team and chaplain is available. Lunch and transport is available for those attending for the whole day.

Day care provides an opportunity for a change of scene, a chance to talk to other people and, if desired, to take part in some sort of therapeutic, creative activity. It also allows carers at home to have a break.

Out-patients

All Hospice services are available as out-patient services. Patients often appreciate the opportunity to access services set within a homely and relaxing atmosphere. Appointments for out-patient services are available Monday - Friday. Where possible, patients use their own transport to attend assessment clinics and out-patients.

Nurse led clinics

Patients can receive interventions, such as drug therapy, paracentesis (drainage of abdominal fluid) and blood transfusions as a day patient, without the need of admission to the in-patient unit. The clinic will usually be staffed by a Registered nurse and a Healthcare Assistant and run Mondays and Wednesdays.

Lymphoedema

Some people with cancer are affected by a type of swelling known as lymphoedema. A qualified lymphoedema nurse is available to provide assessment, advice and management to Hospice patients who have lymphoedema.

The lymphoedema nurse aims to minimise the symptoms by supporting patients to help themselves.

Strategies may include:

• skin care
• exercise
• compression (eg hosiery or bandaging)
• lymphatic drainage massage

The lymphoedema service is available to out-patients, day care and In-patients

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy aims to help maintain a patient's movement, function and independence. Our physiotherapists assess each patient and a treatment plan is agreed according to the individual's needs.

Physiotherapy can help with:

• Improving strength and mobility through exercise
• Assessing whether a patient would benefit from appropriate walking aids
• Providing these aids, such as sticks, walking frames or wheelchairs
• Reducing pain through movement, positioning and use of a TENS machine (a small battery operated unit which reduces pain by stimulating sensory nerves)
• Treating and managing breathlessness and chest congestion. The Hospice also offers a specialist programme to help those experiencing breathlessness.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on maintaining independence and quality of life in all aspects of a patient's daily routine. Our occupational therapists work with patients, carers and families to assess a patient's ability to perform activities. They then draw up a treatment programme which aims to increase the patient's capability to tackle difficulties and adapt with independence, confidence and control.

Occupational therapy can be important in ensuring a patient is safely discharged home from the Hospice with appropriate equipment and support services. The team also supports patients in the community, including those who wish to remain at home during the final stages of their illness.

Occupational therapists can help with:

• Providing equipment to aid independent living
• Relaxation techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety
• Techniques to cope with fatigue and loss of energy. The Hospice offers a specialist programme to help those experiencing fatigue. 
• Advice on how to promote independence
• Assessing the patient's home environment
• Practical strategies to help families/carers support the patient at home.

Occupational therapy can be important in ensuring a safe discharge home from the Hospice with appropriate equipment and support services. The team also support patients in the community, including those who wish to remain at home during the final stages of their illness.

Complementary therapy

The complementary therapy team at St Elizabeth Hospice has expertise in a range of therapies including aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, Reiki and Bach flower remedies.

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils obtained from plants. It is usually combined with massage and home blends can be provided.

Reflexology is a unique method of stimulating reflex areas on the hands and feet to activate the body's own healing powers, bringing the body and mind back to a balanced state.

Reiki is a hands-on complementary therapy promoting a feeling of relaxation and comfort, and is both gentle and non-invasive.

Bach flower remedies help to balance the emotional demands of everyday life. They are usually mixed together to match the way you feel and taken as needed.

A complementary therapy treatment can be received in day care, at the bedside or in a specially designated treatment room, depending on your personal circumstances.

Groups

Positive Living group

A six week programme for patients, relatives and carers offering the opportunity to learn specific techniques to promote independence and relaxation. The group addresses issues each week such as energy conservation, relaxation and practical and emotional issues.

Hearty Living group

Hearty Living is specifically for heart failure patients and their families

Creating memories group

Creating memories helps patients and carers to organise their 'memories' in a creative and lasting way. These sessions help people to learn how to turn boxes of photos and memorabilia into safe, meaningful and creative keepsake albums.