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Overview
Palliative care is "the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to
curative treatment" (World Health Organisation). Palliative Care provides pain and sympton
management for patients. Specialist pallative care is a holistic approach that recognises
that emotional, social and spiritual support further helps patients and those close to them.
The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and
their families.
Weston Hospicecare has a community approach to palliative care. The service aims to meet
the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their
families, bearing in mind their dignity, self-esteem and independence. The Hospice also
provides advice and education benefiting both the local and professional community.
Patient's wishes are always respected.
Our provision of specialist palliative
care is dependent on need and not
diagnosis. We offer our services to
those who have complex needs for which
our services are appropriate, that is
for patients who have advanced
cancer or any other incurable
life-threatening illness.
Principles
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Affirms life and regards
dying as a normal process |
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Neither hastens nor
postpones death |
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Provides relief from pain
and other distressing symptoms
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Integrates the psychological
and spiritual aspects of care
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Offers a support system to
help patients live as actively
as possible until death |
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Offers a support system to
help patients' families cope
during the patient's illness and
in their own bereavement |
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