GP:
Is involved in the patient's care throughout their illness and can access the service of other health care professionals on their behalf.
District Nurse:
Can visit the patient at home to assess how they are keeping and provide practical help such as changing dressings. The District Nurse is also a contact between the patient's GP and patient themselves.
Palliative care will continue to support the patient and their family when they leave hospital if they wish. This will be provided by the Community Palliative Care Specialist Nurse who can provide help and support in the home including emotional and symptom control. They are based at Weston Hospice-care, but they liaise very closely with the patient's GP, the Palliative Care Consultants and the District Nurse.
Social Worker:
Can advise and help with benefits and welfare rights, home care, day care, childcare and family relationships.
Occupational therapist:
The therapist is able to provide advice in adapting your ifestyle, eg saving your energy whilst still being active. Advice can also be given on suitable equipment to help you or on alterations to your home to make your life easier.
Physiotherapist:
Can assist you to maintain or improve your mobility. They can also assess your need for walking aids if necessary. If you have breathing problems, the Physiotherapist can advise on the best methods of dealing with this.
Oncologist:
Advises on, and plans, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Radiographer:
Plans, delivers and advises on prescribed radiotherapy treatments.
Dietitian:
Can provide expert advice about balanced diets and 'easy to eat' foods. Can also assess your need for any dietary or vitamin supplements.
Counsellor:
Can help with a wide variety of problems which patients and their families in this situation sometimes experience, such as anxiety, depression and relationship problems.
Complementary Therapist:
Can provide massage and reflexology to aid relaxation and assist you and your family in coping with your illness.
Palliative Care Out-patient Clinic:
These are run by Dr Abel and Dr Rich at the hospital as mentioned before, on Monday afternoon and Friday morning. Your GP, hospital consultant or Community Specialist Palliative Care Nurse can refer you.
Hospice services:
In certain circumstances you can be transferred from the hospital to the hospice. The hospice is a relaxed environment. It is a short stay centre and is often a stepping stone to going home whenever this is possible. The Weston area is served by several hospices. The hospice you are linked with will depend on where you live. Facilities available include day care, in-patient care and complementary therapies.
The Palliative Care 'Out of Hours' Service:
Weston Hospice: Provides a 24/7 advice line through its In Patient Team to both professionals and patients regarding palliative Care. The nursing team has guidance as to the advice they can give and can seek additional advice if it is felt appropriate.
St Margaret's Hospice & St Peter's Hospice:
For those patients, who's palliative care needs are met by the St Margaret's or St Peter's Hospices, details are available. They both also provide a 24/7 advice line for patients/carers.
Rapid discharge options:
In some cases, patients who are very unwell, may express a strong wish to go home to die. The discharge home of a very ill patient is often a worrying and emotional time for families and carers. Our aim is to provide as much comfort, support and nursing care to be able to minimise the amount of distress that is sometimes present in these difficult circumstances. The Palliative Care Team members in the hospital co-ordinate with the Hospice, the District Nursing Team, the Patient's GP and Social Services to try and achieve this aim.