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Accessing Hospice Services
Living with a
serious illness, such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, motor
neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, and end stage lung and heart disease,
affects every individual and their close family and friends in different ways.
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At Saint Michael's
our team of highly trained staff and volunteers work together with every person
and those close to them to tailor a package of care and support that meets
their unique physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. People are
referred to Saint Michael's by their GP, consultant, district nurse, specialist
nurse or member of the local palliative care team.
In Patient Unit
The
Inpatient Unit at Saint Michael's offers vital 24 hour care for people nearing
the end of their lives and essential support for their families. People stay at
our Inpatient Unit for three main reasons; to manage the pain and symptoms of
their illness, for a respite break and during the advanced stages of their
illness. They stay in one of our 10 en-suite bedrooms for varying lengths of
time, depending on their need. Whilst at the Hospice, inpatients and their
families/carers are also able to access our full range of services, including
physiotherapy, spiritual care, emotional and psychological support,
complementary therapies and the expertise of a dietician. |
Planned Respite Care
The Planned Respite Service at Saint Michael's is
a key part of our holistic approach to care. The service aims to increase the
quality of life and wellbeing of people with end of life care needs and their
carers. Planned respite care offers these individuals the opportunity to stay
in our Inpatient Unit for a one or two week break. This can gives them a unique opportunity to review their care
with our expert team and have a welcome change to their daily routine. It also
gives their family/carers the chance for a break from the daily routine of care
giving e.g. offering them the opportunity to get a good night's sleep, plan a
holiday or get on with the many tasks involved in running a household. They are
also able to spend quality time together as father or daughter or husband and
wife, for example, and not just as patient and carer. This service is
particularly beneficial to people living with long term diseases such as motor
neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease.
Day Therapy
Saint
Michael's runs a day therapy service for individuals with end of life care
needs who live at home in the community. People say spending the day in day
therapy helps them to live with the challenges that their condition may bring.
They find relief from isolation, much needed support from other people who
understand what they are going through, access to rehabilitation and the
opportunity to get symptoms under control. It also gives their carers a break.
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The Lymphoedema Clinic
Lymphoedema is a side
effect of some cancers or can be hereditary. It is caused when the normal
drainage system in the body is damaged or interrupted in some way. People
living with this condition often get a painful swelling throughout their body,
including their arms and legs. Saint Michael's offers the only specialist
clinic in the area and therefore provides vital physical and psychological
support for people while also working proactively to prevent the condition.
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The Community Bereavement Service
When someone
close to you dies it is normal to grieve. Everyone's grief is unique and coming
to terms with the loss of someone you love can be very lonely and confusing.
For some people the support of friends and relatives can help you to adjust.
But sometimes, it can be difficult to find a way through the complexities of
grief. The Community Bereavement Service, run by Saint Michael's, is dedicated
to helping people live with loss. Our service is the only comprehensive
bereavement support service in the area. We provide resources, structured
group/one to one support, fully accredited counselling and access to a
psychologist. It is open to any child, young person or adult who is struggling
with the loss of a loved one, regardless of whether they were cared for by the
Hospice or not. |
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Directions to
Saint Michaels Hospice |
