The Day Hospice aims to provide help and support for patients who are coming to terms with the physical and psychological challenges, which accompany their illness.

The centre is open 4 days a week (Monday to Thursday) from 10.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. and a maximum of 16 patients attend each day. Attendance is generally once a week for an initial 12-week period.

Transport can be provided by volunteer drivers and ambulance service when needed.

All patients are assessed individually to make sure their appropriate care is provided and that continued attendance is still needed. Attendance can be extended if necessary for a further period and it may be extended to help patients and families through difficult periods of their illness. While you are at the hospice your carers can benefit from having some time to themselves; we recognise how difficult it can be for them to cope without time to recharge their batteries.

The doctor and nursing staff offer help with symptom control and inform your GP of any changes in medication or treatment.

Complementary therapies - aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and Reiki are available and aim to help you relax.

Hairdressing and beauty treatments are also offered to help you look and feel good. Other services available include: Podiatry, Chaplain and Counselling.

We have daily activities which vary and may include painting, crafts, games, puzzles and group discussions, although nothing is imposed. There is some emphasis on creative therapies, which help to address some emotional aspects of illness. We also have occasional concerts and entertainment.

It is up to each person to enjoy their day in a way that suits their needs 

We aim to provide a relaxing and enjoyable day, tailored to meet your individual needs in coping and relieving some of the physical and psychological difficulties that accompany major illness.

To access any of these services your Consultant, GP, District Nurse or Macmillan Nurse must refer you.  Each patient/family is assessed individually.  Due to bed availability and demands of the service, admission may not be immediate. In such cases, advice and support or possibly a home visit may be arranged.

We will help with any questions or concerns you may have.  If there is no one available when you ring, please leave your name and telephone number where we can contact you.  We are unable to admit at the weekend but the staff at the Hospice would offer advice, if needed.

We work very closely with other professionals throughout the area to maintain an efficient and effective service for the community. Regular patient satisfaction surveys are undertaken throughout each year. Please ask a member of staff and the results of the surveys will be made available to you.

We also have regular independent inspections carried out by The Healthcare Commission. Their reports can be seen either by requesting a copy from any staff member, or by accessing the Healthcare Commission website at:-

www.healthcarecommission.org.uk.