Day unit

St Elizabeth Hospice's day units enable patients and their families 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 in Ipswich accommodates up to eleven people per day, Monday - Friday. The day starts at 10:00 and finishes at 15:30.
Our day care service in Beccles accommodates up to 9 people on Thursdays. The day starts at 10:00 and finishes at 14:30pm.
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 at the Ipswich site only. 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 at our Ipswich site. 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.
In Great Yarmouth and Waveney outpatient support is provided by the specialist palliative care team based at the James Paget University Hospital and by the Hospice team at Beccles Hospital.

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 are affected by a type of swelling known as lymphoedema. At the Ipswich site a qualified lymphoedema therapist is available to provide assessment, advice and management to Hospice patients who have lymphoedema.

The lymphoedema therapist 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.

In Great Yarmouth and Waveney the lymphoedema service is managed by the James Paget University Hospital. Click here to find out more

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.

In Great Yarmouth and Waveney occupational therapy is provided by the Macmillan occupational therapist at the James Paget University Hospital.

Complementary therapy

The complementary therapy team of 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 at the Ipswich site, depending on your personal circumstances.

In Great Yarmouth and Waveney complementary therapies are available to patients attending day care at the Beccles site.

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 patients with heart failure 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.

Easy Breathing programme

The Easy Breathing programme is for patients experiencing breathlessness on exertion from mild to severe. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing mild breathlessness to learn how to manage this symptom at an early stage. We encourage patients to attend with a family member or carer. The programme consists of three weekly sessions led by the Hospice physiotherapist and occupational therapist and each session lasts 90 minutes. The programme offers support, information and guidance on coping with breathlessness. It incorporates a general education and information on pacing, energy conservation and positioning for breathlessness. There is also an
opportunity to put these techniques into practice during individually tailored low level exercise sessions. Carers and relatives can learn how to assist the management of breathlessness. The rpogramme takes place every month starting on the first Thursday of each month 11.30am - 1pm. In January the programme will begin on the 2nd Thursday of the month.  

Healthy Steps

Healthy Steps is a light exercise programme using slow gentle movements to music which helps to maintain movement, improve flexibility, increase energy and lift mood. The programme is made up of six weekly sessions which are relaxed and informal.
Anyone with some upper body movement can participate, regardless of health or ability. Each individual takes part at his or her own level and can rest whenever needed.  Carers may also take part.
Healthy Steps is led by a qualified Lebed teacher on Tuesdays  11am- 12pm at St Elizabeth Hospice on Foxhall Road in Ipswich.
If you are interested in attending or have any queries, please contact the patient support secretary on 01473 707036.