Day Hospice

Home > Clinical Services > Day Hospice

Day Hospice aims to provide supportive care for people with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Referrals can come from any source and should be supported by the General Practitioner. Patients are invited to attend on one day a week and do so for a variety or reasons - to relieve isolation and find support, to give carers a break and for rehabilitation and symptom control. Day Hospice is a relaxed place with a warm and friendly atmosphere where patients can find mutual support among group members, share humour and enjoy the ordinary human contact that can be so easily lost with the onset of illness.

The Day Hospice is open Tuesday to Thursday and can cater for 14 people daily. We have a large lounge with a selection of comfortable chairs and a display of pictures on loan from Waterloo Galleries which are changed each month to add interest to the environment. We have a dining and crafts room a treatment room and a chapel. There is a small sitting room which may be used by smokers. We have a large garden with a pond, summer house and a small vegetable patch. All areas are accessible by wheelchair.

The Day Hospice is staffed by qualified nurses and a team of trained volunteers. The team of complementary therapists offer massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and Indian Head Massage. A member of the Chaplaincy team visits Day Hospice each day and an optional short service is held. Patients of any denomination are welcome to attend.  Hand and nail care including manicures are offered by trained volunteers.

A doctor is available each day and all patients will have their symptoms monitored whilst in day hospice. After three months, progress will be assessed and the need for and frequency of attendance reviewed.

Activities take place such as quizzes, chair exercises, card / board games but if the patient prefers they can sit quietly and talk to fellow patients or read the paper. We have a small library of books and audio-tapes. Outings and entertainment are arranged. The choice is theirs and staff are always there to give help and advice when required.

We provide a three course lunch, freshly prepared by our kitchen staff and home made cake for afternoon tea. Special dietary needs can be catered for.

Volunteer drivers can provide transport in their own cars if required.