The Patient’s Handbook All you need to know about being a St Luke’s patient
Adding quality to life 1
How to use this publication
You need read only the pages which interest you at the moment, but please keep this book handy so that you can refer to it if you use other parts of our service in the future.
The white pages contain general information about the Hospice, the way it works, and the type and level of care you can expect from us.
The green pages contain information you need if you are a day patient.
The blue pages contain information you need if you are an in-patient.
The yellow pages contain information you need if you live at home and our community specialist palliative care nursing team is involved in your care.
At the back of each coloured section you’ll find some lined pages. You, or members of our staff, can use these to note anything you need to know or remember.
Your name 2 3
Contents
Welcome to St Luke’s Hospice 4 – What is St Luke’s? 4 – Who our patients are 5 – Caring for individual needs 5 – What we can provide for you 6 – How you become a patient 7 – Your medical and nursing care 7 – Our professional advisers and therapists 8 – How we are funded – and how we raise funds 8 – Will we charge for your care? 9 – Having your say 9
St Luke’s in the Sheffield community 11 – Bereavement service 11 – Education department 12 – Volunteers 13 – Working within a city-wide team 14
How to get to us – Route map 17 – Ground plan of the site 18
Caring for you at our therapies and rehabilitation centre Green pages 21–43
Caring for you as an in-patient Blue pages 45–79
Caring for you at home Yellow pages 81–91
Working to high standards 93 Policies which affect you 94 Index 96 4 5
Welcome to St Luke’s Hospice Who our patients are Most people associate us with caring for people with advanced What is St Luke’s? cancer, but we also care for those with non-cancer conditions. Some have heart, lung or kidney disease, and others have St Luke’s is Sheffield’s only hospice. We are also a charity. When neurological conditions, such as motor neurone disease. we opened, in 1971, we were the first hospice outside London. Our patients might be any age over eighteen, be from any part The type of care we provide is called palliative which is the of the Sheffield region and belong to any religion, or none. specialist care of people who have advanced and progressive Occasionally, we also accept patients from other parts of the illnesses for which there are no cures. Our purpose is to improve country, if they are at the end of their lives and have close family the quality of life for local people, like you, with these types of living in this area. physical conditions. We want you to live as normally as possible, for as long as possible. We’ll help you to do this by providing you, your family and carers with high-quality care and support, Caring for individual needs compassion and respect. We treat every patient as an individual, rather than as one of a crowd. With this in mind, we would always tailor your care to Our expertise comes from a high level of professional training your particular needs, whether they are physical, psychological, and many years’ experience of providing palliative care. Our social, spiritual, emotional, financial – or a mixture of them all. standing is recognised by other health professionals in the wider community. This results in local hospitals, GPs and district nurses We would make sure that we know your preferences and seeking our advice, daily, about their own patients who have wishes, and that you know the choices open to you at all stages palliative care needs. of your care. Lastly, but of prime importance, we would protect your privacy and dignity and treat you with the utmost respect Peace of mind, contentment and relief from pain and other at all times. symptoms are central to everything we try to do for our patients, regardless of their personal circumstances. In this, we are guided by the desire to treat everyone fairly, equally and honestly. We believe that communicating constantly, clearly and sensitively is the key to mutual understanding and acceptance.
St Luke’s works constantly with the NHS, local care homes and council departments to further develop exactly the range of care and support services which all people with life-threatening illnesses need and deserve. 6 7
What we can provide for you How you become a patient • In-patient unit care if you become seriously-ill or acutely You would be referred to us by your GP, hospital nurse or distressed, or need immediate symptom control consultant, or other health professional working in the • Therapies and rehabilitation centre care if you need access community who feels that the type and range of care we offer is to specific therapies and professional services and choose to right for you. He or she would do this by filling in a particular be a day patient or out-patient form and sending it to our referrals team based at the hospice. This always happens, whether we are asked to care for you as • Advice and support for you and your family and carers from an in-patient or as a day patient, or for a member of our our community specialist palliative care nursing team if specialist community team to see you at home. Whether or not you are living at home we accept you as a patient depends on your particular case. • On-going support and care for your family and close friends throughout your illness Occasionally, for referrals to our in-patient unit, you might have a short wait for a suitable bed, but if it becomes clear that you’re • A range of traditional and complementary therapists and in urgent need, we’ll admit you as soon as we possibly can. professional advisers Throughout their time as patients of St Luke’s, many people Your medical and nursing care sample the whole range of services we offer. It’s quite usual for St Luke’s is known nationally for providing excellent care for a day patient, or for someone we support at home, to choose to people with illnesses like yours. A team of specialist doctors and be admitted as an in-patient from time to time. On the other consultants provide our medical care. Our nurses are highly hand, some people use only one of our services. trained and experienced. All work to the highest standards. What we can’t provide for you While you are a patient of ours, we would be happy to discuss your care options with you, at any time. You could see your • Pre-booked respite stays in the in-patient unit medical records, if you wanted to, and we would always answer • Long-term nursing care any questions you may have about them.
However, we can give you information about local nursing We would respect your carers’ special roles and, with your homes which offer the type of respite and long-term nursing permission, would always arrange for them to see medical or care which meets your particular needs. nursing staff if they, or we, thought it necessary. 8 9
Our professional advisers and therapists Will we charge for your care? We have a number of traditional and complementary therapists No. Nor would we expect you to offer to pay. However, as a and professional advisers who work hand-in-hand with our charity which needs to raise money in order to exist, we would medical and nursing staff. always be grateful for any contribution you feel is within your means. You can rest assured that any therapy we might give you would be suitable for your particular condition. Unfortunately, we If you become an in-patient and you’re a member of BUPA, cannot guarantee the availability of all specialist therapies and Westfield, or another medical insurance scheme, please tell the professional advice at all times. nurses caring for you. They will arrange for someone from our social work department to help you to make a claim. How we are funded – and how we raise funds Having your say St Luke’s is a charity. Currently, our annual running costs are £6.8 million. We expect the government, via NHS Sheffield, to We are always interested to hear any comments or suggestions give us around £2.3 million towards these costs because we are about our service, both good and bad. As a patient, you could a vital local healthcare provider, but this still leaves us having to complete a form in our ‘We welcome your views’ leaflet, which raise £4.5 million ourselves. In doing this, we rely greatly on the is available from our main foyer. Alternatively, you could talk to support and generosity of local people, many of whom are our service user co-ordinator whose job it is to listen to committed supporters who make regular charitable donations suggestions for change and improvement from patients and their to us. Most of these people have had relatives, friends or carers and families. Reception staff or one of the nurses would be neighbours who were in our care recently or in the past. Their pleased to put you in touch with the co-ordinator, if you ask. creativity in organising fund-raising events never ceases to amaze us.
We also rely heavily on the legacies our supporters leave to St Luke’s in their Wills. The income from our Lottery and seven shops also makes a huge contribution to the fundraising effort.
Please contact our fundraising and communications department on 0114 236 9911 if you would like more information about fundraising or if you wish to make a donation. 10 11
St Luke’s in the Sheffield community
Bereavement service A team of trained volunteers and professional staff provides our bereavement service.
We believe it’s important to care not only for our patients, but also their families. This caring and concern doesn’t stop when a patient dies. That’s why a member of our bereavement team contacts family members as a matter of course after their relative has died, unless we have been asked not to.
We first approach them by letter after about six weeks, and then again by phone after another month or two. We invite them to contact us if they need our support and offer them the following: • regular telephone calls • one-to-one home visits • confidential and regular counselling sessions • a two-hour unstructured and very social ‘group drop in’ session at a city centre location, on alternate Tuesday mornings, with low key support for newly bereaved people if they need it • a ‘time for thanksgiving’ every four months • help and resources for those caring for children affected by bereavement • a structured 10-week group therapy programme, run annually, for those who find it helpful to share their issues with other people experiencing bereavement, supported by a trained bereavement worker or counsellor.
The bereavement service – telephone 0114 235 7505 –is available to anyone whose deceased relative or close friend received care of any kind from St Luke’s. 12 13
Education department Volunteers For over thirty years, our education programmes have influenced Each year we face the challenge of finding the money to cover the quality of life for palliative care patients and their families, our running costs. That’s why the work done by our highly both at home and abroad. motivated team of around 550 volunteers is so vital to us. It means that the maximum amount of money is spent directly on All teaching is based in the Wilkes Education and Conference patient care. Centre, named after Professor Eric Wilkes, who founded St Luke’s Hospice in 1971. It is part of the Learning, Education, While at St Luke’s, you might see volunteers carrying out a Audit and Research Institute at the hospice. range of duties. They serve snacks and drinks to patients, arrange flowers, help with creative activities in the therapies and Since 1991, we have partnered Sheffield Hallam University in rehabilitation centre, deal with general enquiries on our developing higher education programmes to create local and reception desk, help with general clerical and administrative national palliative care specialists of the future. Together, we duties, provide complementary therapies or drive patients to offer two undergraduate degrees and postgraduate study in and from their homes. It’s also thanks to the expertise of some supportive and palliative care. of our volunteers that we have such a comprehensive and The centre houses specialist books and journals and a research supportive bereavement service. All volunteers who work with support service. Its valuable information service on supportive those in our care have been checked by the Criminal Records and palliative care is available to you and your family, in Bureau (CRB). None of our volunteers receives pay, although addition to students, volunteers, outside agencies and staff. The some claim expenses. Their reward is in helping us to help centre also maintains the information leaflets available in our people like you, your family and friends. main reception and other display areas. 14 15
Working within a city-wide team The services offered by the Crossroads organisations listed below They support carers of people In Sheffield, all health professionals work together to care for are free. with cancer with a day and people with serious and progressive illnesses, like yours. This evening sitting service, help means that your GP or district nurse, or any specialist nurse or Cancer Support Centre at with light domestic duties and consultant you see at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Northern Weston Park Hospital the patient’s personal care, as General Hospital or Weston Park Hospital can ask us to care well as benefits and housing They provide information, advice. for you. advice, therapy, help and a sympathetic ear to people 0114 261 1100 Once you are a St Luke’s patient, our nurses and doctors are with cancer and those close www.crossroads.org.uk in contact with your GP, district nurse and your hospital to them. team regularly to keep them up-to-date with your treatment 0114 226 5666 Macmillan Palliative Care Unit at the Northern General and wellbeing. www.cancersupportcentre.co.uk Hospital Maybe the consultant you see at the hospital you attend is Cavendish Centre They provide specialist actually a St Luke’s Hospice consultant, as they work, not only palliative care and have a They provide a wide range of close working relationship here, but also in hospitals across Sheffield. They also lecture to therapies and counselling with St Luke’s. medical students at the university where they are involved in sessions to people with cancer 0114 226 6711 medical research. and their families, including child relatives. www.sth.nhs.uk Although we provide intensive nursing in our in-patient 0114 278 4600 Northern General Hospital unit, we can’t provide it in your home, but we can refer you www.cavcare.org.uk to a service which can. If you’re one of our day or community They provide care for patients with general conditions. Their patients, please think what you would do if you become too Macmillan Cancer Support specialist nurses and poorly for your carers to cope. If you decide you would rather They may help you with grants consultants have a close stay at home than come onto our ward, then we’ll contact to pay for such things as local working relationship with Sheffield’s intensive home nursing service (you, as an travel, heating and other St Luke’s. utility bills, a respite break, individual, can’t do this) which is partly funded by Marie Curie extra clothing, new bedding 0114 243 4343 Cancer Care with NHS Sheffield funding the rest. Together with and essential equipment such www.sth.nhs.uk the district nursing service, they’ll do whatever they can to as a washing machine. All provide you with the level of nursing you need. Your GP or their grants are means-tested. riprap district nurse can also refer you to these services. 0808 8080000 This is a website developed www.macmillan.org.uk especially for teenagers who Because we are interested in your psychological, social and have a parent with cancer. emotional welfare just as much as your medical and nursing www.riprap.org.uk care, we work closely with a number of organisations who offer a range of services to you and your family. 16 17
Royal Hallamshire Hospital Weston Park Hospital How to get to us They provide care for patients They provide specialist cancer with general conditions. Their care and have a close working St Luke’s is approximately three miles south of Sheffield city specialist nurses and relationship with St Luke’s. centre. Our location is marked on the map below. consultants have a close working relationship with 0114 226 5000 St Luke’s. www.sth.nhs.uk 0114 271 1900 www.sth.nhs.uk Please realise that once we have referred you to another Sheffield Cancer Voice service (including nursing They represent all users of services) or council Sheffield’s cancer services and department and advised advise providers how their them of your needs, you services can be improved and must deal with them direct. developed. St Luke’s Hospice is not www.sheffield.nhs.uk/ involved in their work. cancervoice
Sheffield Carers Centre They are a focal point of information and support for all carers and former carers in Sheffield, and for those who work with them. 0114 272 8362 www.sheffieldcarers.org
Sheffield City Council The local authority social service department which provides ‘home helps’ is based here, as is the housing department. 0114 272 6444 www.sheffield.gov.uk People travelling by bus should take the 30 ‘Dore’ bus from the bus-stop opposite the cathedral on Church Street. They should get off at the stop on Ecclesall Road South, after Parkhead. Here, there is a pathway to Little Common Lane, signposted to St Luke’s. The bus journey takes about 25 minutes. 18 19
Ground plan of the site
single room 2
single room 1
20 21
Caring for you at our therapies and rehabilitation centre
Who is caring for you? 22 How we might help you 23 When could you attend? 24 Getting here and going home 24 Your first visit 25 How long will your personal programme be? 26 Plan your own day 27 Your medical and nursing care 28
Professional advice and therapies available to you 29 – Occupational therapy 29 – Psychological therapy 30 – Physiotherapy 30 – Social workers 31 – Spiritual care 32 – Wellbeing services 33
Some ways our therapists might help you 34 – Acupuncture 34 – Anxiety management 34 – Aromatherapy 35 – Beauty therapy, hairdressing and grooming 35 – Body image 36 – Confidence building 36 – Creative activities 36 – Fatigue management 37 – Massage 37 – Reflexology 37 – Reiki 38 – Relaxation 38 – Sexual and relationship therapy 38
Transferring to our in-patient unit or community specialist palliative care team 39
Notes 40 22 23
Caring for you at our therapies How we might help you and rehabilitation centre The therapies and rehabilitation centre is here to improve the quality of life for people, like you, who are receiving on-going palliative care while living at home. Our aim is to keep you Who is caring for you? with your family and in your community, rather than on a Your nurses are hospital ward. We do this by designing a personal programme of specialist therapies, treatments and advice to meet your particular physical, psychological, emotional and practical needs.
We also provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment where you can discuss your concerns and feelings with other You or any member of staff may write in the ‘Notes’ pages at patients in situations similar to yours, and with professionals the back of this section (pages 40 to 43) as a reminder of who really understand. information you might need later or advice given you. The other patients you’ll meet here come from all over Sheffield. Some have no previous links with St Luke’s. Others transfer from being in-patients here or from being cared for by our community team.
If you are not currently a patient of ours, but think you would benefit from attending the therapies and rehabilitation centre, then ask your GP, hospital consultant, specialist nurse, district nurse, or another health professional caring for you, to refer you to us. They do this by filling in a particular form and sending it to our referrals team based at the hospice. Please realise that we cannot accept you if you do not need the level and type of care we provide.
We’ll contact you a few days after your referral, usually to arrange a convenient time for your first visit. 24 25
When could you attend? Your first visit We’re open from Monday to Friday for up to twenty patients On your first visit, you’ll meet the nurse responsible for every day, bringing our weekly capacity to around 100. co-ordinating the therapy and rehabilitation programme you’ll follow each time you attend. The more we know about Usually, each person agrees to attend on one day (usually the you, the better we can help you, so he or she will ask about same day) each week. Some attend for just the morning or your medical treatment so far, your symptoms and illness, afternoon, but most stay for the whole day. You can take your strong likes and dislikes, your dietary needs, beliefs, personal choice. circumstances, family, any problems or difficulties you’re having, Our daily sessions start at 10.00am and end at around and any practical help you might need at home. 3.00pm, although individual appointments can sometimes go If you’ve already been a St Luke’s in-patient or if you have beyond that. existing links with our community specialist palliative care We dispense medication only in an emergency so, whenever you nursing team, then we’ll have your details already so we won’t attend, you must remember to bring the medicines you need bother you with unnecessary questions. to take while you are here. Your nurse will give you a short tour around the facilities, which include the: Getting here and going home • Beauty salon We’re based on the main St Luke’s site. Before your first visit, • Complementary therapies studio we’ll discuss with you the best way for you to get here and • Conservatory home again. • Consulting room You can use your own transport, that of a friend or relative, or • Creative activities studio ours. If we arrange your transport, we can collect you any time • Dining room from 9.00am onwards, either in a private car, medicar, taxi, the • IT room St Luke’s bus or a community transport vehicle. Our CMax stair- • Music room climber will remove any problems you may have getting up or down stairs or any steps where you live. We’ll take you back • Physiotherapy studio home when it suits you. • Quiet room
Your nurse will then explain and discuss how our professional advisers and therapists might help you (see pages 29 to 38). If you are interested in seeing one or more of them, your nurse will refer you to the appropriate therapist/s or adviser/s. In turn, each one will then see you to assess your particular needs and agree a set of regular appointments with you, starting on your next visit. 26 27
Uniforms Plan your own day You’ll see a range of uniforms while you are here. These Apart from your booked therapy and advice sessions, what you descriptions may help you to know who’s who: choose to do for the rest of the day is very much up to you.
• The senior sister wears a navy uniform with red trims We serve tea and toast at 10.00am and snacks and drinks • Qualified (registered) nurses wear a mid-blue uniform with throughout the day in our stylish café-style dining room which white trims has an adjoining conservatory looking out over the garden. • Healthcare assistants wear light blue with white trims After these initial refreshments, people tend to disperse to • Complementary therapists wear white tunics with lilac trims various parts of the building, depending on which activities they and navy blue trousers. have booked. Some choose to just sit and talk. • Creative worker/occupational therapy helpers wear a dark We serve lunch at around 12.00pm. Our chefs provide freshly green tunic and trousers cooked meals for all tastes and diets, including those dictated • Hairdressers wear white uniforms with a dark purple trim. by religion and medical conditions such as diabetes, allergies and gluten intolerance. They have particular expertise in • Physiotherapists wear white tunics with navy blue trims and producing food which can be easily swallowed or digested. navy blue trousers There’s sure to be something you would enjoy.
Qualified, registered nurses and sisters are university educated, The afternoon session sees people ‘on the move’ again, and healthcare assistants have all had extensive training in all although you might choose to stay in the dining room for a aspects of caring for patients with needs such as yours. All relaxing chat over a cup of tea or coffee. You could also go into nursing staff have many years’ experience of caring in hospices. the foyer to buy St Luke’s merchandise, cards, writing materials and small gifts, use the computer with internet access and How long will your personal programme be? webcam, or watch television or listen to music in the media room. There is also a room where you can smoke if you want to. We agree the length and content of your programme on your first or second visit and review it after about six treatments. The If you attend on a Wednesday, you’ll hear our routine fire end of your programme may mark the end of your attendance alarm test at 2.00pm. Don’t worry when you hear it ringing, unless we suggest extending it further. It all depends on your it doesn’t last long. particular needs and circumstances. 28 29
Your medical and nursing care Professional advice and therapies The senior sister in charge is a highly qualified and experienced available to you senior palliative care nurse. She works closely with the hospice’s nurse consultant and advanced nurse practitioners in planning We have many ways to help you cope with practical, emotional, and developing our comprehensive service for day patients. psychological, physical, financial and spiritual issues. Tell your nurse if you think you need any specialist therapy or The senior sister’s team of registered nurses are also palliative professional service listed below – and please say why, so that care specialists, qualified to monitor your medical needs and we make sure you see the person best suited to your needs. identify your nursing needs. They have particular expertise in symptom management. They can also provide more routine nursing services such as the dressing of wounds. Occupational therapy
The senior sister and each registered nurse has his or her own Our occupational therapists can help you maintain your caseload of patients. This means that you’ll be able to build a independence and normal routines, and build your confidence close relationship with a particular nurse who will help you to and self-esteem, by suggesting solutions to practical problems devise your programme and refer you to therapists and advisers in your everyday life, such as new ways to wash, dress, shop, who can best meet your needs. Your nurse will also establish, cook and spend your leisure time. They can also provide and keep, good contact with your GP and other health practical help for any anxiety, fatigue or breathlessness. professionals involved in your care outside the hospice. They can make home visits to assess your needs, identify ways Healthcare assistants support these senior nurses and work you might manage more easily, and advise you about under their direction and supervision. All our staff are very equipment which will help you or special adaptations you could friendly and helpful and you will soon know them well. make to your home. They can also provide you with information about services which can help you to make those changes. Routinely, there are no doctors in the therapies and rehabilitation centre. However, the in-patient unit is only a few The occupational therapy team also plans and provides the yards away, so there is usually a consultant or specialist registrar hospice’s creative activities. – who is a senior qualified doctor training to be a consultant – at hand in any emergency. Please realise that you remain under the care of your own GP throughout the time you attend here as a day patient. 31
30 Social workers Psychological therapy Our social work team includes fully qualified and registered Psychological therapists are trained to work with people social workers working alongside an experienced assistant. experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties All work closely with our doctors, nurses and therapists. or distress. Ours have particular experience of working with people coping with serious physical illnesses. The difficulties They can provide comprehensive practical and emotional such people face might include feeling anxious, feeling low or support to you, your relatives, carers and close friends, depressed, problems in personal and sexual relationships, especially when complex and stressful decisions must be made. personal loss, bereavement, adjusting to changed They can also help you to talk to each other if this is difficult. circumstances, coping with the physical effect of illness, coming They routinely liaise with Sheffield Council’s neighbourhood and to terms with their prognosis and an uncertain future, and community services and housing services, local hospitals, dealing with their fears. housing associations and other organisations providing services They work, not only with patients, but also with their families to St Luke’s patients, relatives and carers. They can also pass on and others close to them. Usually, a therapist meets with a client information about you to the local authority or NHS Sheffield to for one or more appointments, and works with the person to help them assess your needs for care services at home. understand his or her difficulties or sources of distress, how They provide advice about financial matters, including benefits, these have arisen and possible ways forward. You can see a pensions and debt management and provide information and psychological therapist either on your own, with your partner or sign posting regarding claims for attendance allowance, transport with members of your family. costs, disability living allowance and income support. They can also provide information about grants for help with specific needs, if Physiotherapy you are eligible, and details of where you can get legal advice if Our physiotherapists are very experienced in helping patients you need it. with physical problems and can help you to maintain your independence by teaching you exercises to build up your muscle They also give practical and personal support to people and and improve your flexibility. They can provide you with walking their families towards the end of someone’s life, and they work aids, such as crutches, walking frames or other items of with children and young people dealing with painful emotions equipment if you need them. and thoughts of change as they face losing someone they love.
Physiotherapists can give advice and offer practical help for symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, pain, nausea and breathlessness. They also treat lymphoedema and provide specialist treatments, including acupuncture, for a variety of other conditions. 32 33
Spiritual care Wellbeing services Our spiritual care team supports people of all faiths and those We have a team of qualified employed and volunteer therapists who have none, and you will often see them chatting casually dedicated to giving you an enhanced sense of wellbeing. The with patients, relatives, friends and carers. one-to-one treatments offered by our four complementary therapists, two beauty therapists and hairdresser will make you You’ll find them easy company from the outset as they are open feel relaxed, good about yourself, and ready to face the world. and friendly, welcoming, reassuring and non-judgmental. They Some even alleviate pain and stress. All services are tailor-made provide a constructive, confidential listening ear and an to your needs and allow you as much choice as possible while invaluable perspective, often when it is most needed, always ensuring that the treatments you choose are safe and We have a chapel off the hospice’s main foyer where we hold appropriate to your condition and medical treatment. regular services. One is held each Thursday. If you are at You can choose to have just one of our beauty therapies or St Luke’s that day and would like to attend, your nurse will tell grooming services, or you can combine them with a you what time it starts and will be happy to take you there. The complementary therapy if you want, assuming the therapy you tone and content of each service is always guided by the needs choose is suitable for your condition. of the people attending. Our patients are adults of all ages and at various stages in their lives, so our chaplain responds to whatever kind of service they would like: it is not unusual for our chapel to be a place for baptisms, to bless marriages and for other times of great personal joy involving whole families. On the other hand, please remember that the chapel is ideal if you need a place for quiet contemplation or prayer, or just some space to yourself.
If you are not in regular contact with your own religious leader but would like to be, then our chaplain would be happy to make contact on your behalf, if you ask him. 34 35
Some ways our therapists might Aromatherapy help you The most effective and popular method of delivering aromatherapy is by gentle massage using essential oils derived The staff caring for you will advise which professional service from a wide variety of flowers, herbs, spices, berries, leaves, can help you, and which therapies or treatments best suit your stems, bark and also the wood of many plants and trees. Before particular needs, medical condition and the medication you are having the massage, you can smell a selection of oils, all suitable taking. Please trust their recommendations. You cannot insist on for your condition, and discuss your preference with the having a therapy or treatment which is unsuitable for you. aromatherapist, who will guide and advise you. Alternatively, you can choose from a variety of pre-blended oils.
Acupuncture Many areas of the body can benefit from aromatherapy Acupuncture, the ancient art of healing, has been practised in massage. You can also benefit from aromatherapy through China for over 2000 years. It involves the placing of sterile inhalation. needles in the skin to improve both painful and non-painful Aromatherapy can relieve tension and emotional distress, conditions. Practitioners believe that illness, disease, health and promote relaxation, calm the mind and ease anxiety. It can also wellbeing are dependent on the harmonious and balanced flow help with pain and nausea and aid sleep. We provide of vital energy (chi) through us. The therapist places needles aromatherapy treatments in our complementary therapy studio. along points on the body where, it is believed, they can restore that flow of energy. The needles are safe and painless throughout the treatment. Beauty therapy, hairdressing and grooming You can enjoy beauty therapy or personal grooming in the form Studies show that acupuncture releases natural chemicals in the of facials, manicures and pedicures, eyebrow shaping and hair body which can relax muscles, and relieve breathlessness and removal. We provide these treatments in the beauty salon or in nausea, as well as pain. our complementary therapy room. They are available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Anxiety management We offer a variety of treatments in the salon, including ‘cut and It’s not unusual for our patients to feel anxious in certain blow dry’, trims, perms, beard and moustache trimming and situations, such as during periods when they are waiting for hair colouring. The hair salon is open from Tuesday to Friday and appointments with their consultant or the results of medical tests. the first Monday in the month. They may even feel extremely stressed when doing mundane things like shopping or leaving the house. Sometimes these feelings are overwhelming. They can also bring on panic attacks.
If you have difficulty handling particular situations, whatever they are, we can explore your feelings with you and show you how to manage your anxiety in a variety of ways, starting with recognising its early signs and teaching you how to regain a feeling of calm and composure, how to relax, and how to lessen fear. 36 37
Body image Fatigue management Sometimes serious illness causes changes in a person’s If you often experience breathlessness or acute tiredness and appearance which are difficult for him or her to accept. If the fatigue, then we can probably help you. We do this by teaching physical effect of illness has changed the way you look and feel you to prioritise differently, to pace yourself differently, to use about yourself and this is distressing you, we have ways to help. different equipment and to take a fresh approach to doing routine activities, such as getting dressed, cooking, cleaning Confidence building and socialising. Having a serious illness usually means that you can’t do what If we feel you need additional help around the home, we can you used to do, or live like you want to live. This can deal a hefty advise you who could provide this, referring you to the local blow to anyone’s confidence and self-image – especially if you authority’s care service, if that is your choice. have an independent spirit. Massage Confidence and self-image suffers if independence lessens. If you are having this problem, we can help you rebuild your You can experience gentle therapeutic massage to various parts confidence and regain feelings of control which, in turn, give of the body, with or without clothing, to help you to relax, ease you a positive view of yourself. We do this, usually, by providing stress and tension and enhance your sense of wellbeing. It differs practical solutions to practical problems, exploring your feelings from aromatherapy massage in that essential oils are not used. with you and teaching you to reassess your goals and to look at Instead, generally, the massage involves using just grapeseed oil. your situation – and yourself – with fresh eyes, and to You can have your massage in our complementary therapy studio concentrate on your successes, not your failings. or wherever you feel most comfortable.
Creative activities Reflexology Creative work can give you ‘time out’ from illness and a change Reflexology is a specialised form of foot massage. Its origins are of scene away from a medical environment. It can also give you in the Chinese practice of acupressure. The theory behind this a positive, rewarding and enjoyable experience, opening up new therapy is that different areas of the feet represent, and are horizons and discovering skills you never knew you had, or connected to, the body’s internal organs. By systematically honing old ones you had almost forgotten! putting pressure on these points, symptoms such as pain, constipation and nausea may be relieved. Many people say Our occupational therapy team offers the opportunity for you to that simple foot massage can relax them and relieve tension work across a range of media in creating many types of art and and pain. We can give you reflexology anywhere you feel the craft works. Activities include drawing and painting, jewellery- most comfortable, either on a chair or in our complementary making, collage, decoupage, marquetry, painting on silk, therapy studio. stencilling, sewing, embroidery, gardening and seasonal crafts such as making garlands, displays and cards. They also arrange board games, word games and quizzes. 38 39
Reiki Transferring to our in-patient unit Reiki is performed while you are fully clothed. The therapist’s or community specialist palliative hands are held slightly above your body, directing the natural energies around you in a simple and calm way and helping to care team recreate balance between your mind, body and emotions. You may feel a gentle warmth leave the therapist’s hands and spread We may advise that you would benefit from a stay as an through you as you lie peacefully listening to relaxing music. in-patient – possibly for just a week or two so that we can make Reiki is not faith healing and those who try it need not have any sure you are taking the most effective medication for your particular religious beliefs. illness, or to control some symptoms which are causing you worry, discomfort or pain. Alternatively, we may suggest that Patients say that reiki relaxes them and gives emotional and you transfer to our community specialist palliative care nursing physical release from tension, anxiety and pain, helping them to team who can support and advise you at home. cope better with their illnesses. If this happens, then please read either the blue pages (about our in-patient unit) or the yellow pages (about our community Relaxation team) which will give you information to help you to make your We can explore why you have difficulty relaxing and then teach decision. If you agree to this advice, then we will make the you techniques to help you relax and ease anxiety and stress. arrangements. You can use these whenever you want, to aid rest or sleep. These techniques involve gentle breathing and, usually, ‘guided imagery’ which uses your imagination to take you to different places in your mind or ‘visualisation’ where you see yourself in a positive light, from a new or different perspective.
Sexual and relationship therapy If you have any kind of personal, sexual or family relationship problem, we offer ways to help. 40 41
Notes and advice
Date Details Name and signature Date Details Name and signature (if staff) (if staff) 42 43
Notes and advice
Date Details Name and signature Date Details Name and signature (if staff) (if staff) 44 45
Caring for you as an in-patient
Who is caring for you? 47 What you should bring with you 48 Getting here and going home 48 When you arrive 49 Facts to reassure you 50
Getting settled in 52 – Accommodation 52 – Beds 52 – Bathrooms and toilets 52 – Calling your nurses 53 – Cleaning 53 – Electrical equipment 53 – Flowers and plants 53 – Gardens 54 – Gifts and gratuities 54 – Hand-washing 54 – Heating and lighting 54 – Magazines, newspapers and books 55 – Mail 55 – Meals 55 – Personal laundry 56 – Personal property 57 – Pets 57 – Shop and refreshments 57 – Smoking 57 – Suggestions, compliments and complaints 58 – Telephone 58 – Television, radio and computer access 59 – Your safety 59
Your medical and nursing care 60 – Medical consultants 60 – Other doctors 60 – Nurses 61 – Resuscitation 62 46 47
Professional advice and therapies available to you 63 Caring for you as an in-patient – Occupational therapy 63 – Psychological therapy 63 – Physiotherapy 64 Who is caring for you? – Social workers 64 Your consultant is – Spiritual care 65 – Wellbeing services 66
Some ways our therapists might help you 67 – Acupuncture 67 – Anxiety management 67 Your nurses are – Aromatherapy 68 – Beauty therapy, hairdressing and grooming 68 – Body image 69 – Confidence building 69 – Creative activities 69 – Fatigue management 70 – Massage 70 – Reflexology 70 Your nursing team is – Reiki 71 – Relaxation 71 – Sexual and relationship therapy 71
What your visitors need to know 72 You or any member of staff may write in the ‘Notes’ pages at – Visiting hours and enquiries 72 the back of this section (pages 77 to 79) as a reminder of – Car parking 73 information you might need later or advice given you. – Children 73 – Hand-washing 73 – Meals and drinks 74 – Overnight accommodation 74 – Smoking 75 – Support for relatives and close friends 75 – Telephone calls 75 – Ward clerk 75
Transferring to our in-patient unit or community specialist palliative care team 76 Notes 77 48
48 49
When you arrive What you should bring with you When you first arrive at St Luke’s everything will be new and It’s important that we know which medicines you are taking at unfamiliar. We want you to feel comfortable and at home in the time you come into St Luke’s, so please bring them with you your new surroundings as quickly as possible. The more we and hand them to your nurse on arrival. Please remember to know about you, the more relaxing your stay will be so, soon do this because if you take any medication without our after you arrive, a doctor or nurse will ask you for basic knowledge this could cause problems if we prescribe you information about yourself and your treatment so far. He or she something else as well. will ask about your symptoms and illness, strong likes and When your stay is over, we’ll tell your GP of any changes we dislikes, beliefs, personal circumstances, family, if you follow a have made to your medication. We’ll also supply you with special diet or if you need any practical help at home while medicines to take home. you’re in St Luke’s.
If a district nurse has been visiting you regularly at home, please He or she will also tell you who will look after you from now bring his or her notes for us to read. The information they on. The staff looking after our 20 in-patients include a consultant, contain will be very useful to us. a physiotherapist, qualified staff nurses and healthcare assistants. The nursing team is led by a senior sister. You’ll need night clothes and day clothes and some well-fitting shoes or slippers. You’ll also need your personal If you want anything explaining further, or if you have any toiletries. Please don’t bring lots of clothes and belongings worries or concerns at any time, please tell the nurses caring because we have limited wardrobe and storage space. for you.
We encourage you to bring photographs of your family, friends and pets and other special mementoes.
Getting here and going home If you’re coming for a stay at the hospice and you can’t arrange your own transport, or you are too poorly to do so, your GP will book an ambulance or hospital car to bring you here. We can arrange transport home at the end of your stay, if you would like us to.
If a member of your family or a friend brings you or takes you home, there are directions to the hospice and a map on page 17 which will help them. 50 51
Facts to reassure you 9 When you go home, our community team will give your GP whatever support it can and we’ll discuss with you any help We know, from talking to our patients, that there are some facts or equipment which would make things easier at home. about St Luke’s that might be particularly helpful to you. 10 You’re always in control of your own treatment. We offer 1 Our highly-qualified doctors, nurses and therapists have advice and choices, but it’s you who decides, in extensive knowledge and experience of caring for people consultation with our professional staff. with illnesses like yours. 11 While caring for you, we’ll always respect your personal 2 We’ll plan all your care with your particular needs and beliefs, religion and culture. preferences in mind and we’ll involve your close relatives in helping you to wash, feed, bathe and dress, if that is what you and they want.
3 We’re happy for your close relatives to stay overnight by your bedside if you become particularly ill. In such a situation, if they couldn’t be there, one of your nurses would sit with you whenever they could.
4 We’re ready to support and help your relatives during all stages of your illness and in all circumstances.
5 You may need only a short time as an in-patient to help you through a difficult period, then you’ll go home.
6 The average length of stay for patients before they go home is around 14 days.
7 If, after you arrive for a planned stay, your circumstances change and you would benefit from extending that stay, we’ll discuss this with you, and then discharge you when you, your carers and we feel you are ready to leave. As we’re a hospice, not a nursing home, we don’t take patients on a long-term basis.
8 We won’t limit you to only one stay as an in-patient. If you need to be re-admitted, then this can be arranged – even if you have only recently gone home! 52 53 Getting settled in Calling your nurses Accommodation The nurses looking after you will introduce themselves to you. They’ll be on hand for you 24 hours of the day. There’s a call Your accommodation will be either in one of our five shared button by your bed, if you need their help for any reason. The rooms (we have separate rooms for men and women) or in one bathrooms and toilets also have call buttons or pull cords which of our five single rooms, depending on your needs and those of you can reach easily. other patients. We give single rooms to patients who most need the solitude they provide. When you press a call button or pull a cord, this activates a buzzer which the nurses looking after you carry at all times. In The shared rooms are spacious, comfortable and airy with large addition, three television screens displayed prominently around windows and direct access to a large balcony or conservatory, with the in-patient unit alert all other nurses that you need help. This seats, which overlooks the hospice’s wonderful, landscaped system ensures that noise is kept to a minimum for you and other garden. You and your visitors are welcome to use all these areas. patients and that someone will always respond to your call. Some single rooms have French windows which open onto patios. Cleaning Beds You’ll see our housekeeping staff throughout the day, every day, Our beds are specially designed to adapt to differing needs. as they thoroughly clean all areas of the building. Their work is Some can be controlled electronically, either by you or your of exceptionally high standards. nurses, and some have pressure-relieving mattresses if you need constant bed rest. If you are in one of our shared rooms, your bed space has its own curtains to provide privacy when you Electrical equipment need it. Before you use any electrical equipment belonging to you – such as a radio or hairdryer – please tell your nurse, so that we can At the end of your bed are three bed charts. One says which first test it for safety. medicines you are taking, one gives details of any special diet you are on and one advises how you should be moved or handled and if the person moving or handling you needs special Flowers and plants equipment to do this. Our volunteers will arrange your flowers, look after them and keep them fresh. They regularly produce lovely floral displays and Bathrooms and toilets care for all other plants around the hospice. If you have an allergy to plants, or the scents distress you, please tell your nurses. You can wash, bathe or shower whenever you want to. We have two large bathrooms with specially-designed baths for you to use, with the help of your nurses. If you are sharing a room, you’ll use one of the comprehensively-fitted toilets on the adjacent corridor. Each single room has its own facilities with toilet and wash-hand basin. 54 55
Gardens Magazines, newspapers and books Please visit our lovely landscaped gardens whenever you can, We can deliver your favourite newspapers and magazines either with a nurse or with one of your visitors. Our patients’ lift directly to you. You just need to tell one of your nurses who will allows easy access, especially for wheelchairs. Just remember to ask a porter to take your order and payment. tell one of your nurses when you leave the in-patient unit so that he or she can give you a ‘nurse call’ neck-fob or wristwatch for We have a good stock of books for you to read. This features a you to wear in case you need help while outside. selection of autobiographies, easy reading, romance, history and adventure novels. It also includes large print and talking books. Gifts and gratuities Mail If you ever want to give staff or volunteers something to express your thanks, please give only flowers, confectionery or fruit as You can receive letters and parcels at the hospice. The postal they are bound by professional regulations not to accept any address is In-patient unit, St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common personal gift, large or small. Lane, Abbey Lane, Sheffield, S11 9NE. If you want to post anything, you can buy stamps from either the reception or the The donations box in the foyer, next to reception, provides the travelling trolley shop. The Royal Mail van arrives at 6.00pm, so opportunity for anyone to donate money as a contribution to make sure you give anything you want to post to your nurses meeting the hospice’s running costs. well before that time.
Hand-washing Meals We do everything we can to minimise the spread of bacteria Our catering team provides freshly cooked meals and snacks for which may cause infection. You’ll see many alcohol gel all tastes and diets, including those dictated by religion and dispensers around the building and in your room. Please ask medical conditions such as diabetes, allergies and gluten your visitors to use them to wash their hands on arrival and intolerance. before leaving the in-patient unit. We have particular expertise in producing food which can be easily swallowed or digested and we’re happy to talk to you to Heating and lighting find out exactly what you can eat, what you want to eat and We try to make the hospice as comfortable as possible for you. when you want to eat it. There are central, adjustable, air-conditioning systems and When you arrive, make sure you tell one of your nurses your lighting sources in every room. There is a central light in each particular likes and dislikes, or about any particular dietary needs shared room and there are small adjustable lights between each you may have. He or she can arrange for a chef to visit you to bed space which you – or your nurse – can adjust. We can discuss those needs in detail and to make sure we meet them. provide you with extra blankets if you are cold, or electric fans to cool you down if you’re too hot. Our hospitality team will serve all your meals, either at your bedside, or in the conservatory if you feel well enough. 56 57
Although most patients are pleased to have breakfast, lunch, Personal property dinner, drinks and snacks at the conventional times below, we You have a locker for your essential personal belongings near are also happy to serve you at other times of the day, if you your bed. You also have a small hanging wardrobe in your room would prefer. – big enough to take the clothes you need while staying with us. 8.00am breakfast and morning tea or coffee Please keep only a small sum of money in your locker and send 10.30am mid-morning drinks all valuables home. If you can’t do this, your nurses will arrange 12noon lunch for their safe keeping during your stay. 3.00pm afternoon tea 5.30pm supper Pets 7.30pm evening drinks Your pets are welcome to visit. Please arrange this with your nurse. Volunteers serve hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout the day. They also staff our travelling trolley shop. Shop and refreshments Please ask your relatives and visitors to tell a member of the You can buy St Luke’s merchandise, cards, writing materials and nursing team if they bring in any food or drink for you. small gifts from reception. The travelling trolley shop, staffed by volunteers, sells writing paper, toiletries, sweets, drinks and Alcohol chocolates. Generally, we’re happy for you to drink alcohol in moderation as it can be good for relaxation, appetite and sleep. However, you should check with your doctor or nurse first as it may affect Smoking your medication. There is a room in the therapies and rehabilitation centre where you can smoke. If you want to use the patients’ smoking Personal laundry room it’s very important that you ask one of the nurses looking after you before you leave the in-patient unit. He or We assume that a member of your family or carers will wash she will give you a ‘nurse call’ neck-fob or wristwatch for you to and iron your clothes and suggest that you keep some wear in case you need help while you are alone. Your visitors polythene bags in your locker for storing all the things waiting can go with you although only you can smoke while in that to be collected. If you have no-one to wash your clothes, please room. If your visitors want to smoke, they will have to go off tell one of your nurses. He or she will ask our laundry to wash site as, by law, we must provide a totally smoke-free them for you, but please make sure that each item is clearly and environment for people other than patients. permanently marked, and be aware that laundry staff can’t hand-wash delicate fabrics – nor can they take responsibility for damage to your clothes. 58 59
Suggestions, compliments and complaints Television, radio and computer access If you want to suggest a change in our procedures or express Single rooms and bed bays in Clumber Room have televisions concern about some aspect of your care, then please talk to a which can also access main radio stations. Other patients watch senior member of our nursing staff. As an alternative, you could television in the conservatories. If you want to watch television fill in a leaflet called, ‘We welcome your views’, to compliment, and you are in a shared room other than Clumber and unable to comment or complain about our services. These are easily leave your bed, then we’ll move your bed into the nearest available on the in-patient unit and from the main foyer. conservatory.
If you want to see a copy of our complaints procedure, please We have a computer with access to the internet and a webcam, ask any member of staff who can arrange for you to have your and a room where you can just listen to music or watch the own copy if you want one. If you ever feel that a problem is not television in private. Just ask one of your nurses if you would resolved to your satisfaction, then you may want to contact the like to use any of these facilities as they are all in the therapies Care Quality Commission, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon and rehabilitation centre and you may need a nurse to take you Tyne, NE1 4PA.. there. There’s also a large flat screen television in the centre’s lounge area which you can watch with your family in the Telephone evenings and at weekends, when day patients have gone home. If a friend or relative calls and wants to speak to you, we’ll bring The hospice has no radio system, but we do have digital radios. a cordless telephone to your bedside. If you would like to borrow one, just ask.
If you want to make a call and don’t have a mobile phone, you Your safety can use one of our telephones. If you want to make an international call, please tell one of your nurses. There’s no Falls account for most patient accidents, so please call a nurse charge for local and national calls, but we charge for if you feel weak or unsteady at any time and never try to walk international calls. without supervision if you are unsteady.
All staff have regular fire training and know what to do if a fire breaks out. In such a situation, your nurses would ensure your safety, and the fire brigade would arrive within minutes.
We test the fire alarms at 2.00pm every Wednesday so don’t worry when you hear it ringing. It lasts only a few seconds. 60
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Your medical and nursing care Nurses Your medical and nursing care is planned and provided by a We have 20 patients in our in-patient unit. highly-qualified, specialist team of medical consultants, specialist registrars, doctors and nurses who have particular A senior sister leads the in-patient unit and will introduce expertise in the control of pain and other symptoms associated him/herself to you soon after you arrive. He or she has with conditions like yours. These doctors and nurses meet the responsibility for the entire in-patient unit. together regularly with various professional therapists to discuss The qualified nurses report to the senior sister and supervise the how St Luke’s can best help you. You may hear staff call this healthcare assistants. The senior sister makes sure that there group the ‘multidisciplinary team’ or ‘MDT’ for short. are always enough nurses on duty at all times of the day and night. Any doctor or nurse responsible for your care will be happy to discuss your treatment and medication with you at any The uniform for each type of nurse is different. This may help time. Also, you can ask to see your medical records, if you want you to know who is who: to, and your consultant or other doctors will always answer any • The senior sister wears a navy uniform with red trims questions you may have about anything written in them. • The junior sister wears a navy uniform with white trims Medical consultants • Qualified (registered) nurses wear a mid-blue uniform with white trims We have three consultants and one of them will be yours. Each • Healthcare assistants wear light blue with white trims. week, every consultant has a ward round when he or she will come and talk to you, in detail, about your care, how you are • Complementary therapists wear white tunics with lilac trims feeling, the medicines you are taking and – if you have any and navy blue trousers problems – what might make you feel better. • Creative worker/occupational therapy helpers wear dark It’s usual for your consultant to include the nurses, doctors and green tunics and trousers therapists (the ‘MDT’ mentioned above) caring for you on his or • Physiotherapists wear white tunics with navy blue trims and her ward round. navy blue trousers.
We respect your carers’ special roles and, with your permission, Qualified, registered nurses and sisters are university educated, we would always arrange for them to talk with medical staff if and healthcare assistants have all had extensive training in all they, or we, thought it necessary. Your consultant may even aspects of caring for patients with needs such as yours. All invite your closest relatives to join them for discussions with you nursing staff have many years’ experience of caring in hospices. during the ward round, if it’s what you and they want.
Other doctors We have a range of other doctors working with our consultants, and under their supervision. These include registrars, who are doctors training to become consultants, and less senior doctors who are training to be GPs. A GP with a special interest in palliative medicine has also worked here for many years. 62 63
Resuscitation Professional advice and therapies We feel that trying to resuscitate a patient to reverse a sudden, available to you unexpected collapse is not often appropriate for our patients, but we shall discuss the matter with you so that we can record We have many ways to help you cope with practical, emotional, your wishes. This means that, should you have such a collapse, psychological, physical, financial and spiritual issues. Tell your we would know exactly what you want us to do. If you would nurse if you think you need any specialist therapy or like a copy of our full resuscitation policy, please ask a member professional service listed below – and please say why, so that of the nursing staff. we make sure you see the person best suited to your needs.
Occupational therapy Our occupational therapists can help you maintain your independence and normal routines, and build your confidence and self-esteem, by suggesting solutions to practical problems in your everyday life, such as new ways to wash, dress, shop, cook and spend your leisure time. They can also provide practical help with anxiety, fatigue or breathlessness.
They can also make home visits to identify ways you might manage more easily. This is particularly important if you have been an in-patient for a while and are soon to return home. They can assess your needs and advise you about equipment to help you or special adaptations you could make to your home. They can also give you information about services which can help you to make those changes.
The occupational therapy team also plans and provides the hospice’s creative activities.
Psychological therapy Psychological therapists are trained to work with people experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties or distress. Ours have particular experience of working with people coping with serious physical illnesses. The difficulties such people face might include feeling anxious, feeling low or depressed, problems in personal and sexual relationships, personal loss, bereavement, adjusting to changed circumstances, coping with the physical effect of illness, coming 64 65 to terms with their prognosis and an uncertain future, and dealing with their fears. They routinely liaise with Sheffield’s social services and housing departments, local hospitals, housing associations and other They work, not only with patients, but also with their families organisations which provide services to St Luke’s patients, and others close to them. Usually, a therapist meets with a client relatives and carers. Because of these links, they could help the for one or more appointments, and works with the person to local authority or NHS Sheffield assess your needs for care understand his or her difficulties or sources of distress, how services at home, or transfer to a nursing home, by passing on these have arisen and possible ways forward. You can see a information about you. psychological therapist either on your own, with your partner or with members of your family. They provide advice about financial matters, including benefits, pensions and debt management, and provide information and sign posting regarding claims for attendance allowance, transport costs, Physiotherapy disability living allowance or income support. They can also provide Our physiotherapists are very experienced in helping patients information about grants for help with specific needs, if you are with physical problems and can help you to maintain your eligible, and details of where you can get legal advice if you need it. independence by teaching you exercises to build up your muscle They can give practical and personal support to patients and their and improve your flexibility. They can provide you with walking families towards the end of a person’s life, and they work aids, such as crutches, walking frames or other items of with children and young people who are dealing with painful equipment if you need them. emotions and thoughts of change as they face losing someone they love. Physiotherapists can give advice and offer practical help for symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, pain, nausea and breathlessness. They also treat lymphoedema and provide Spiritual care specialist treatments, including acupuncture, for a variety of Our spiritual care team supports people of all faiths and those other conditions. who have none, and you will often see them chatting casually with patients, relatives, friends and carers. Social workers You will find them easy company from the outset as they are Our social work team includes fully qualified and registered open and friendly, welcoming, reassuring and non-judgmental. social workers working alongside an experienced assistant. They provide a constructive, confidential listening ear and an invaluable perspective, often when it is most needed. All work closely with our doctors, nurses and therapists to provide comprehensive practical and emotional support to We have a chapel off the hospice’s main foyer where we hold patients, relatives, carers and close friends. They could support regular services. One is held each Thursday. If you would like to you and your family if you have to make complex and stressful attend, your nurse will tell you what time it starts and will be decisions, helping you to talk to each other if this is difficult. happy to take you there. The tone and content of each service is always guided by the needs of the people attending. Our Our social workers can be involved in reviewing your progress patients are adults of all ages and at various stages in their lives, and planning your discharge from the in-patient unit, so our chaplain responds to whatever kind of service they would particularly if there are practical difficulties or complex like: it is not unusual for our chapel to be a place for baptisms, circumstances. 66 67 to bless marriages and for other times of great personal joy Some ways our therapists might involving whole families. On the other hand, please remember that the chapel is ideal if you need a place for quiet help you contemplation or prayer, or just some space to yourself. The staff caring for you will advise which professional service Your own religious leader, whatever your faith, is welcome to can help you, and which therapies or treatments best suit your visit you at any time. If you are not in regular contact with him particular needs, medical condition and the medication you are or her, then our chaplain is happy to make contact on your taking. Please trust their recommendations. You cannot insist on behalf, if you ask him. having a therapy or treatment which is unsuitable for you.
Wellbeing services Acupuncture We have a team of qualified employed and volunteer therapists Acupuncture, the ancient art of healing, has been practised in dedicated to giving you an enhanced sense of wellbeing. The China for over 2000 years. It involves the placing of sterile various one-to-one treatments offered by our complementary needles in the skin to improve both painful and non-painful therapists, beauty therapists and hairdresser will make you feel conditions. Practitioners believe that illness, disease, health and relaxed, good about yourself, and ready to face the world. Some wellbeing are dependent on the harmonious and balanced flow even alleviate pain and stress. All services are tailor-made to of vital energy (chi) through us. The acupuncturist places your needs and allow you as much choice as possible while needles along points on the body where, it is believed, they can always ensuring that the treatments you choose are safe and restore that flow of energy. The needles are safe and painless appropriate to your condition and medical treatment. throughout the treatment.
You can choose to have just one of our beauty therapies or Studies show that acupuncture releases natural chemicals in the grooming services, or you can combine them with a body which can relax muscles, and relieve breathlessness and complementary therapy if you want, assuming the therapy you nausea, as well as pain. choose is suitable for your condition. Anxiety management It’s not unusual for our patients to feel anxious in certain situations. Sometimes these feelings are overwhelming. They can also bring on panic attacks. If you have difficulty handling particular situations, whatever they are, then we have ways to help. We can explore your feelings with you, show you how to manage your anxiety by recognising its early signs, and teach you how to regain a feeling of calm and composure, how to relax, and how to lessen fear. 68 69
Aromatherapy Body image This is a complementary therapy you can experience wherever Sometimes serious illness causes changes in a person’s you’re most comfortable. This might be while you are in bed, appearance which are difficult for him or her to accept. If the sitting in a chair, or in our complementary therapy studio. The physical effect of illness has changed the way you look and feel most effective and popular method of delivering aromatherapy about yourself and this is distressing you, we have ways to help. is by gentle massage using essential oils derived from a wide variety of flowers, herbs, spices, berries, leaves, stems, bark and Confidence building also the wood of many plants and trees. You can smell a selection of oils, all suitable for your condition, before the Having a serious illness usually means that you can’t do what you have always done, or live the way you want to live. This can massage and discuss your preference with the aromatherapist, deal a hefty blow to anyone’s confidence and self-image – who will guide and advise you. Alternatively there are a variety especially if the person has an independent spirit, or is used to of pre-blended oils you can choose from. taking the lead or being self-sufficient. Many areas of the body can benefit from aromatherapy If you have this problem, we have ways to help you rebuild your massage. You can also benefit from aromatherapy through confidence and regain feelings of control which, in turn, give inhalation or by having some essential oils emulsified in milk you a positive view of yourself. We do this, usually, by providing and added to your bath. practical solutions to practical problems, exploring your feelings Aromatherapy can relieve tension and emotional distress, with you and teaching you to reassess your goals and to look at promote relaxation, calm the mind and ease anxiety. It can also your situation – and yourself – with fresh eyes, concentrating on your successes, not your failings. help with pain and nausea and aid sleep.
Beauty therapy, hairdressing and grooming Creative activities Creative work can give you ‘time out’ from illness and, often, a You can enjoy beauty therapy and personal grooming in the change of scene away from a medical environment. It can also form of facials, manicures and pedicures, eyebrow shaping and give you a positive, rewarding and enjoyable experience, hair removal. We can provide all these treatments in your bed or opening up new horizons and discovering skills you never knew chair, in the beauty salon, or in our complementary therapy you had, or honing old ones you had almost forgotten! studio. Our occupational therapy team offer the opportunity for you to We offer a variety of treatments in the salon – which is open work across a range of media in creating many types of art and from Tuesday to Friday and the first Monday in the month – craft work. Activities include drawing and painting, jewellery- including ‘cut and blow dry’, trims, perms, beard and making, collage, decoupage, marquetry, painting on silk, moustache trimming and hair colouring. Some of these are stencilling, sewing, embroidery, gardening and seasonal crafts available to you while you are in bed or sitting in a chair. such as making garlands, displays and cards.
You can do these activities either from your bed or in our studio in our therapies and rehabilitation centre. We also arrange board games, word games and quizzes and can loan you music DVDs, videos as well as talking and printed books. 70 71
Fatigue management Reiki If you often experience breathlessness, or acute tiredness and Reiki is performed while you are fully clothed. The therapist’s fatigue, then we can probably help you to manage the problem. hands are held slightly above the body, directing the natural We do this by teaching you to prioritise differently, to pace energies around you in a simple and calm way and helping to yourself differently, to use different equipment and to take a recreate balance between your mind, body and emotions. You fresh approach to doing routine activities, such as getting may feel a gentle warmth leave the therapist’s hands and spread dressed, cooking, cleaning and socialising. through your body as you lie peacefully listening to relaxing music. Reiki is not faith healing and those who try it need not If we feel you need additional help around the home, we can have any particular religious beliefs. advise you about who could provide this, referring you to the local authority’s care service, if that is your choice. Patients say that reiki relaxes them and gives emotional and physical release from tension, anxiety and pain, helping them to Massage cope better with their illnesses.
You can experience gentle therapeutic massage to various parts Relaxation of the body, with or without clothing, to help you to relax, ease stress and tension and enhance your sense of wellbeing. It We can explore why you have difficulty relaxing and then teach differs from aromatherapy massage in that essential oils are not you techniques to help you relax and ease anxiety and stress. used. Instead, generally, the massage involves using just You can use these whenever you want, to aid rest or sleep. grapeseed oil. You can have your massage treatment in bed, in a These techniques involve gentle breathing and, usually, ‘guided chair or in our complementary therapy studio. imagery’ which uses your imagination to take you to different places in your mind or ‘visualisation’ where you see yourself in a Reflexology positive light, from a new or different perspective.
Reflexology is a specialised form of foot massage. Its origins are Sexual and relationship therapy in the Chinese practice of acupressure. The theory behind this therapy is that different areas of the feet represent, and are If you have any kind of personal, sexual or family relationship connected to, the body’s internal organs. By systematically problem, we offer ways to help. putting pressure on these points, symptoms such as pain, constipation and nausea, may be relieved. Many people say that simple foot massage can relax them and relieve tension and pain. It can be given anywhere the patient feels the most comfortable, either in bed, or in a chair or in our complementary therapy studio. 72 73
What your visitors need to know Car parking We have over 90 parking places and we reserve those at the Please tell us if you have any special requests relating to front of the building for visitors. The rest are used on a ‘first- your visitors. For instance, some patients who feel very come, first-served’ basis by staff, volunteers as well as visitors. poorly ask us to restrict the number of people coming to In addition, there is on-road parking on Little Common Lane, see them. Abbey Lane and Ecclesall Road South. The latter is linked to Little Common Lane by a pedestrian walkway and is very Visiting hours convenient.
We welcome relatives and friends to visit you at any time, on We ask that your visitors always park thoughtfully. The hospice any day of the week and throughout the year, including over site is at the centre of a residential area, so we also ask for care holidays and festivals. in not blocking access to our neighbours’ private driveways. Anyone wanting to make a very early, or late, visit should first check with the nurses caring for you before leaving home. Children
Your visitors should always report to reception before they go Children are always welcome at St Luke’s. As well as spending onto the in-patient unit. time with you, there is a children’s area with a message board on the main corridor outside Clumber Room where they can We lock the main doors from 8 o’clock in the evening until play quietly. But your visitors must always supervise children 8 o’clock in the morning. If your visitors arrive between these playing in this area as it is close to patients who may be times, they will need to use the two-way intercom outside to say very ill. Your visitors must also be extra vigilant when children who they are, and give your name, before staff will let them in. are on the roof garden. If, after we have automatically unlocked the door so that your visitors can enter or leave the building, they see a Hand-washing stranger enter without telling staff who they are and why We do everything we can to minimise the spread of bacteria they are there, then your visitors must tell a member of staff which may cause infection and you will see many alcohol gel immediately. dispensers around the building, in your room or on the ward. Friends and family can phone our main number – 0114 236 9911 Please ask your visitors to use these gel dispensers to wash their – at anytime for news about you. hands on arrival and before leaving the in-patient unit. 74 75
Meals and drinks Smoking Your visitors can use our newly extended and refurbished dining Patients may smoke in the patients’ smoking room in the room 24 hours of the day. Here, they can buy reasonably-priced therapies and rehabilitation centre but, by law, no-one else can hot meals (many cooked to order by our on-site chefs), salads or smoke within the hospice buildings and grounds. This means lighter meals such as home-made soups and sandwiches. The that your visitors can go with you to the patients’ smoking room menu is varied and changes daily. There is always a choice of but if they want to smoke themselves, they must go off site. dessert and a range of hot and cold drinks.
Our dining room team provides a personal service from 7.00am Support for your relatives and close friends to 7.30pm. Outside these hours there is a fully-stocked carousel In addition to caring for you, we care also for your close family offering fresh sandwiches, savoury and sweet snacks and drinks. and friends. If any of them is having difficulties of any kind, Visitors can also buy sweets, drinks and chocolates from our please ask him or her to talk to us. Initially, he or she should travelling trolley shop. speak to one of the nurses or the ward clerk. In addition, our therapies and rehabilitation centre has a coffee bar area which visitors can use from Monday to Friday, 5.00pm to Telephone calls 8.00am and, throughout the weekend and during bank holidays. You can call friends and family by using one of the in-patient Please ask your relatives and visitors to tell a member of the unit’s portable phones. If you are in Clumber Room you can use nursing team if they bring in any food or drink for you. your own phone by your bed. During visits, we ask that your visitors switch their mobile Overnight accommodation phones to ‘silent’ or ‘vibrate’ so that the noise of an incoming call doesn’t disturb or upset other patients, many of whom will If your relatives and very close friends want to stay here be very poorly and need calm, rest and quiet. overnight, they can. We’ll provide them with folding beds or reclining chairs and they can sleep in your room, at your bedside, or in a room in the therapies and rehabilitation centre Ward clerk which is used for patient consultations during the day. The ward clerk’s desk is half-way along the main corridor in the We also have a list of local ‘B&Bs’ which they may find useful. in-patient unit. She or he is the ward’s receptionist and can help They should ask at reception. your visitors to find any member of staff they may want to talk to, take messages, or to give directions around the building. 76 77
Transferring to our therapies and Notes and advice rehabilitation centre or community Date Details Name and signature specialist palliative care team (if staff)
When your stay finishes, we may suggest that you transfer to our community specialist palliative care team, who can support and advise you at home. Alternatively, we may suggest that you would benefit from attending the hospice for a few weeks as a day patient, usually on one day each week.
If this happens, then please read either the yellow pages (about our community specialist palliative care nursing team) or the green pages (about our therapies and rehabilitation centre) for information to help you to make your decision. 78 79
Date Details Name and signature Date Details Name and signature (if staff) (if staff) 80 81
Caring for you at home
Who is caring for you? 82
How our community specialist palliative care team can help you 83
Your medical and nursing care 84
Professional services and therapists available to you 85 – Physiotherapy 85 – Psychological therapy 86 – Spiritual care 86
Transferring to our in-patient unit or therapies and rehabilitation centre 87
Notes 88 82 83
Caring for you at home How our community specialist palliative care nursing team Who is caring for you? can help you Your nurse is The nurses who provide this service are part of the hospice’s wider team of consultants, specialist registrars, doctors, nurses, therapists and social workers. They take our knowledge and expertise into the community and work closely with GPs, district Your physiotherapist is nurses, hospital consultants, specialist hospital nurses and other health professionals in developing programmes of care best suited to the individual needs and circumstances of home-based patients like you. They also provide training for staff in local nursing homes. Your social work assistant is The team’s main aim is to support you throughout your illness so that you have the best possible quality of life, relief from symptoms, and flexible choices about where you are looked after. They will also provide you and your family with emotional You or any member of staff may write in the ‘Notes’ pages at and psychological support. the back of this section (pages 88 to 91) as a reminder of Our highly qualified community specialist palliative care information you might need later or advice given you. nurses provide exactly the same service as Macmillan nurses, except they are employed by St Luke’s Hospice. They are also funded by the hospice and not funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, as many people believe. 84
84 85
Your medical and nursing care Professional services and therapists If you become a home-based patient of the hospice’s community available to you service, we’ll allocate you your own community specialist palliative care nurse who will provide highly specialised In addition to the service your nurse gives you, St Luke’s Hospice knowledge, support and advice to you, your family and carers has a comprehensive range of professional services to help you and the health professionals caring for you. They do not cope with practical, emotional, psychological, physical, financial provide intensive home nursing or help with your daily and spiritual issues. You can access many of them at the physical care. However, if you need this level of nursing, they hospice as an out-patient (see the green section pages 29 to can help to organise it for you by contacting your district 38 for more information of what’s available). However, we try to nurse and the city-wide intensive home nursing service. make those listed below available to you in your own home if you are unable to travel. As well as having extensive knowledge of controlling the physical symptoms you might have, your nurse will be a key to other If you think you would benefit from any service listed below, practical information you will find useful. He or she will also link please tell your nurse. you to the rest of the hospice’s services available to you. Physiotherapy At your first meeting, your nurse will discuss how the hospice can support you – such as by giving you access to the expertise of Our physiotherapists are very experienced in helping patients our own palliative care doctors and consultants while you are with physical problems. In most cases, they can improve your still in the care of your GP. Your nurse will also discuss the initial mobility and help you to maintain your independence by frequency of his or her visits which can be changed over time, teaching you exercises. They can provide you with walking aids, depending on how your illness progresses and if your needs such as crutches, walking frames or other items of equipment if change. Between visits, he or she will keep in regular contact with you need them. you by phone. Physiotherapists can give advice and offer practical help for If you choose to accept the help of any specialist therapists and symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, pain, nausea and services we offer to home-based patients, your nurse will make breathlessness. They also treat lymphoedema and provide the arrangements for the relevant professional to contact you. specialist treatments, including acupuncture, for a variety of other conditions. 86 87
Psychological therapy Transferring to our in-patient unit or Our psychological therapists offer their services to patients, their therapies and rehabilitation centre families and other people who are close to them. Sometimes existing support from relatives and friends is not enough and it Your nurse may recommend that you would benefit from can be helpful to talk to a professional. attending the hospice as a day patient for a few weeks, or from a stay as an in-patient – possibly for just a week or two so that Psychological therapists are trained to work with people we can make sure you are taking the most effective medication experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties for your illness, or to control some symptoms which are causing or distress. In addition to having specialist skills, ours have you worry, discomfort or pain. particular experience of working with people coping with serious physical illnesses. The difficulties such people face might If this happens, then please read either the green pages (about include feeling anxious, feeling low or depressed, problems in our therapies and rehabilitation centre) or the blue pages (about personal and sexual relationships, personal loss, bereavement, our in-patient unit) which will give you information to help you adjusting to changed circumstances, coping with the physical to make your decision. effect of illness, coming to terms with their prognosis and an uncertain future, and dealing with their fears. If you agree to your nurse’s advice, then he or she will make the arrangements. Usually, our psychological therapists meet with a client for one or more appointments at the hospice and work with the person to understand his or her difficulties or sources of distress, how these have arisen and possible ways forward. You can see a psychological therapist either on your own, with your partner or with members of your family.
Spiritual care Whatever your faith, if you are not in contact with your religious leader and you would like to be, our chaplain would be happy to make contact on your behalf, if you want him to. 88 89
Notes and advice
Date Details Name and signature Date Details Name and signature (if staff) (if staff) 90 91
Notes and advice
Date Details Name and signature Date Details Name and signature (if staff) (if staff) 92 93
Working to high standards
Our aim is to provide the highest standard of care. However, if ever you want to suggest a change or express concern about some aspect of your care, then please talk to the doctors and nurses caring for you or our service user co-ordinator, whose job it is to listen to suggestions for change and improvement from patients and their carers and families. We also have a leaflet called ‘We welcome your views’ which you can use to compliment, comment or complain about our services. These are easily available from our main foyer.
If you feel your concerns are very serious and want to make a formal complaint, we can provide you with a copy of our complaints procedure so that you know how to do this.
Should you ever feel that a problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction after you have complained formally to us, then you may want to contact the Care Quality Commission, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA..
The Care Standards Regulations expect all hospices to have a ‘Statement of Purpose’. This statement includes information on the Registered Manager (Director of Patient Services) and the Responsible Person (Chief Executive) and their qualifications and experience. In addition, the statement covers descriptions of the hospice’s aims and objectives, the number, qualifications and experience of the staff, the organisational structure, the treatments offered, and finally the arrangements for consultation with patients and their carers, for respecting privacy and dignity and arrangements for dealing with complaints.
At St Luke’s we feel this information should be made available in our patient handbook and therefore this will act as our statement of purpose. Due to the changing nature of some of this information such as the organisational structure and registered individuals these will be kept with the Chief Executive. However, if you would like a copy please contact the hospice on 0114 236 9911. 94 95
Policies which affect you • Medicines code • MRSA We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures • On-call (management and nursing staff) governing all aspects of our work. Below, we have listed those • Ordering medicines outside normal working hours relating to the care of our patients. If you would like to see a • Patient confidentiality copy of any of our policies and/or procedures, please ask one of • Patient-related legal issues the nurses caring for you. • Privacy and dignity • Access to health records • Protection of vulnerable adults • Advanced decisions to refuse treatment • Records management, retention and disposal • Basic life support • Regulation of medical representatives • Bereavement • Religious, cultural and spiritual awareness • Blood transfusions • Research • Child protection • Risk assessment management • Collection, labelling, transportation of clinical specimens and • Smoking at the hospice receipt of laboratory results • Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) • Compliments, comment and complaints • Therapies and rehabilitation centre • Consent • Use of patient identity wristbands • Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure guidelines • Verification of death • Disciplinary (staff) • Ward multi-disciplinary meeting • Do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR): in-patient unit • Documentation in patient health records • Dress code for clinical staff • Equality and diversity • Fire safety • Gift acceptance • Hand hygiene • Information security and confidentiality • Lone worker policy • Maintenance and building services • Major incidents and pandemic • Management of an outbreak of infection • Management of bullying/harassment • Management of health and safety • Management of violence and aggression towards staff/ volunteers 96 97
Index charity 8 charity shops 8 children 31, 65, 73 A cleaning 53 accommodation (patients’) 52 CMax stair-climber 24 accommodation (relatives’) 74 coffee bar 74 acupressure 37, 70 community specialist palliative care nursing team 6, 39, 76, 81, 83 acupuncture 30, 34, 64, 67, 85 complaints 9, 58, 93 advice and support 6, 75, 85 complementary therapists 6, 8, 33, 66 air-conditioning 54 computer access 27, 59 alcohol 56 confidence building 36, 69 alcohol gel dispensers 54, 73 consultants 7, 60, 84 anxiety management 34, 67, 85 consulting room 25 aromatherapy 35, 68 creative activities 25, 36, 69 Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) 13 B Crossroads 15 baptism 32, 65 D bathrooms 52, 53 beauty salon 25, 68 day patient care 6, 7, 21, 23, 76, 87 beauty therapy 33, 35, 66, 68 debt management 31, 65, 85 beds 52 diet 25, 27, 49, 55 benefits 31, 65, 85 dining room 25, 74 bereavement service 11 discharge 50, 64 best practice 12 District Nursing Service 14 body image 36, 69 donations 8, 54 books 55 E BUPA 9 education department 12 C electrical equipment 53, 54 call button 53 Eric Wilkes 12 Cancer Support Centre 15 F car parking 73 care options 7 fatigue management 37, 70 Care Quality Commission 58, 93 financial matters 31, 65, 85 Cavendish Centre 15 fire alarm 27, 59 chapel 32, 65 flowers and plants 53 chaplain 32, 65, 86 foot massage 37, 70 charges 9 fundraising 8 98 99 G map 17 gardens 52, 54 Marie Curie 14 gifts and gratuities 54 marriages 32, 66 grants 31, 65, 85 massage 35, 37, 68, 70 grooming 33, 35, 66, 68 MDT 60 H meals and drinks 27, 55, 56, 74 medical and nursing care 7, 14, 28, 60, 84 hairdressing 33, 35, 66, 68 medical consultants 60 hand-washing 54, 73 medical insurance 9 heating 54 medical records 7, 60 home care 6, 39, 76, 81, 82, 83 merchandise 8, 27, 57 home visits 29, 63 mobile phones 58, 75 I multidisciplinary team 60 music room 18, 25 individual needs 5 in-patient care 6, 7, 45, 47 N intensive nursing 14 neurological conditions 5 intensive home nursing 84 newspapers 55 international calls 58 NHS Sheffield 8,14 internet 27, 59 non-cancer conditions 5 IT room 18, 25 Northern General Hospital 15 L nurses 7, 49, 53, 61 nursing home 6, 50, 65 laundry (personal) 56 legacies 8 O legal advice and help 31, 65 occupational therapy 29, 63 lighting 54 out-patients 6, 85 location 17 long-term nursing 6 P lottery 8 palliative care 4 lymphoedema 30, 64, 85 parking 73 M personal programmes 23, 26 personal property 57 Macmillan Cancer Support 15, 83 pets 57 Macmillan nurses 83 physiotherapy 25, 30, 64, 85 Macmillan Palliative Care Unit 15 policies 94 magazines 55 privacy and dignity 5, 52 mail 55 professional advisers 8, 29, 63 100 101 professional services 6, 29, 63, 85 T psychological therapy 30, 63, 86 talking books 69 R telephone calls 58, 75 television and radio 27, 59 referral 7, 23 therapies 6, 29, 63, 85 reflexology 37, 70 therapies and rehabilitation centre 6, 19, 21, 23 refreshments 27, 56, 57 toilets 18, 52 registrars 60 traditional therapists 6, 8 relatives 50, 58, 60, 72, 73 transferring 39, 76, 87 reiki 38, 71 transport 24, 48 relaxation 38, 71 trolley shop 56, 57, 74 respite 6 resuscitation 62 U riprap 15 uniforms 26, 61 Royal Hallamshire Hospital 14, 16 running costs 8 V S vending machines 18, 74 visiting hours 72 safety 54, 59 visitors’ overnight accommodation 50, 74 self-image 36, 69 volunteers 13, 56, 57 service user co-ordinator 9, 93 sexual and relationship therapy 38, 71 W shared rooms 52 walking aids 30, 64, 85 Sheffield Cancer Services Advisory Group 16 ward clerk 75 Sheffield Carers Centre 16 ward round 60 Sheffield City Council 16 webcam 27, 59 Sheffield Hallam University 12 wellbeing 33, 66 Sheffield intensive home nursing service 14 Westfield 9 shop 18, 27, 57 Weston Park Hospital 16 single rooms 18, 52 Wilkes Education and Conference Centre 12 site plan 18 Wills 8 smoking 18, 57, 75 social workers 31, 64 Y specialist palliative care nurses 25, 76, 83, 84 Young people 15, 31, 65 spiritual care 32, 65, 86 St Luke’s Hospice 4 support for relatives 75 symptom control 6 Did you know …?
• St Luke’s is Sheffield’s only hospice. • We were pioneers of the modern hospice movement, opening in 1971 as the first hospice outside London. • We provide care, support and advice to over 1500 patients and many hundreds of relatives and carers every year. • Our patients have conditions such as advanced heart, renal or neurological disease, in addition to all types of cancer. • The job of our doctors, nurses, therapists and advisers is not to cure, but to ease symptoms which cause pain and distress, and to foster a positive sense of wellbeing and contentment. • We serve the whole Sheffield community, covering all districts of the city and the surrounding areas. • We never charge our patients and their families for the specialist care they receive. • Currently, our annual running costs are £6.8 million of which we must raise £4.5 million ourselves. • We have over 550 people registered as unpaid volunteers.
St Luke’s Hospice Little Common Lane Abbey Lane Sheffield S11 9NE Telephone 0114 236 9911 www.stlukeshospice.org.uk
Registered charity No 254402, Registered company No 92244 All information in this publication was correct when printed in December 2009
Adding quality to life