Welcome to the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale
We’ve put together this folder with information about our hospice that you might find useful – such as the services we offer, how we can help and what you can expect from us. We want you to have a really comfortable stay with us, and get the most out of what we can offer. So just let us know if there’s anything that you need or something we can do for you, your family and your friends. You can always speak to your nurse if you have any questions or concerns about your care, or have any thoughts or suggestions about our hospice. We’re here to provide you, and those close to you, with our very best care and support.
Paula Elson, Hospice Manager
Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale Bridgeman Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3YR
Reception: 02920 426 000 Ground floor ward: 02920 426 017 First floor ward: 02920 426 027 Email: [email protected] mariecurie.org.uk/cardiff
Contents Your room 2 Food and drink 5 Medication 6 Information for your visitors 7 Preventing infections and how you can help 9 How to reduce your risk of falling 11 Our services and how we can help 12 Sources of information and other support for you 15 General information 16 How we keep your information safe and confidential 17 Let us know what you think 18 A little about Marie Curie 19 How you can support our work 21 List of TV channels and radio stations 22
Hospice information for in-patient care Page 1
Your room Your bed As your bed is adjustable, our nursing staff will explain to you how the bed’s control buttons work. We want you to be as comfortable as possible, so let us know if you need any extra blankets or pillows. Call bell Your room has a call bell which you can use when you want us to know you need help. To activate it, press the orange button on the handset by your bed and one of our nurses will be with you shortly. If it’s an emergency, press the handset’s yellow button instead and we’ll respond to you as quickly as we can. Light switches Your room’s light switches are located by the door and above your bed. Handrails We’ve installed handrails to help you move around the bathroom and when you’re using the toilet. Wardrobe/bedside locker To keep your room tidy, you can store your belongings such as toiletries, nightwear, underwear, non-slip slippers and day clothes in the wardrobe/bedside locker. Towels and laundry We’ll provide you with fresh towels as and when you need them. As we don’t have laundry facilities at our hospice, please ask your relatives or friends to take your laundry home. In certain situations, we can arrange to have some of your items washed.
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Mobile phone You can use your mobile phone in our hospice. We just ask that you’re considerate of other people when talking on your phone, and that you keep your phone on silent mode. Newspapers Newspapers are available on request – just ask us. TV The digital TV in your room offers a wide range of programmes. Individual sets with wireless headphones are available on request. Please see page 22 for the TV channels and radio stations guide. Internet access Wi-Fi is available at the hospice. You don’t need an access code to connect to it. Accessing the garden You’re most welcome to use the garden – it’s here for you to enjoy. You can get there by using the lift in the main corridor which will take you to the lower basement level where the garden is located. Smoking We have a smoke-free policy at the hospice. However we recognise that some people may wish to smoke and we’ll try to make this possible where reasonable. Our staff can direct people wishing to smoke to a designated smoking area in the rear garden.
For those wishing to smoke (including e-cigarettes), please follow the guidance below:
We don’t allow smoking inside, or in front of, the hospice at any time. Anyone who wishes to smoke may do so only if it doesn’t cause discomfort to others. Our staff members are unable to accompany people who wish to smoke. Smoking is allowed in the designated smoking area in the rear garden. For security reasons, we lock our doors each evening at 9pm so if you wish to use the garden after this time, please discuss it with the nurse in charge.
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Fire alarm We test our fire alarm every Tuesday at 1pm. If you hear the alarm at any other time, please wait for instructions from our staff. Valuables As we’re unable to take responsibility for the loss of or damage to your valuables at our hospice, it’s best not to bring them with you. If you do have valuable items with you, please ask our nursing staff to lock them away while you’re staying with us. Maintenance faults If you notice any room or equipment faults, please let us know so we can get them fixed. Electrical items If you bring any electrical items with you, our maintenance staff will need to test them to ensure they are safe for use in the hospice.
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Food and drink
Our usual meal times Breakfast: 8am – 8.30am, or when you wake up Lunch: 12.15pm Evening meal: 5.30pm – 6pm
We serve freshly prepared food, all cooked by our in-house chef. Please refer to our menu on the back pages of this folder to see what’s on offer. We always try to offer a wide choice of dishes on our menu. You can also talk to the chef if you have any special requests or dietary needs. While we may have our usual meal times, as above, you can still request food at any time depending on when you want to eat. You can choose to eat your meals in your room or in the day room. If your relatives or friends wish to bring food for you, please check with our staff. For health and safety reasons, we’ll need to make sure the food your visitors bring for you can be stored and eaten safely.
Refreshments During the day, our hospice volunteers and housekeeping staff will provide you with hot drinks and water. If you’d like a soft drink or some chocolate, just ask us.
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Medication
Please make sure you have with you all the medication that you’re currently taking, and do let your nurse know what they are. Your named nurse will administer your regular medication as and when you need to take them. We can also provide you with any extra medication you need to help with your symptoms, such as pain or nausea, so you’re as comfortable as possible throughout your stay with us. Our regular medication rounds begin at around: 8am 12 noon 5pm 9.30pm
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Information for your visitors Our hospice visiti ng times are flexible as we want your family and friends to feel they’re welcome to visit you while you’re staying with us. However, you may want to be mindful that, too many visitors for too long, or late night visits, can be tiring for you. You may also wish to have some time on your own – just let us know and we’ll inform reception. For security reasons, we lock the doors to our hospice between 9pm and 7am everyday. If you wish to have visitors during these times, please speak to your nurse about it. Your visitors can visit you in your room. You’re also welcome to use one of the lounges, or the family room, quiet rooms or gardens. If you wish to leave the hospice to go out for a short time, please let us know so we’re aware of where you are.
Children We welcome visiting children at our hospice. We only ask that those under 14 are supervised at all times while they are in the hospice. We have a children’s play area on the first floor of our hospice. You can ask our nursing staff if you wish to use this facility.
Pets We know that pets can have a really positive effect on people. So if you have a pet you’d like to see, it’s often possible to bring it in. Please make sure that your pet is supervised at all times when in the hospice. If you have a dog with you, please keep it on a lead at all times.
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Smoking We have a smoke-free policy inside our hospice building. For information on our designated smoking areas, see page 3.
Parking Free parking is available in the hospice grounds. If the hospice car park is full, you can find additional parking on the main road outside the hospice.
Family day room At the entrance to both wards, we have a day room which your visitors are welcome to use, and where you’ll find facilities for making tea and coffee. If your visitors would like a hot snack or meal they can visit the caf it’s located on the ground floor near reception and the opening times are on the entrance door. Staying over Family members or friends are welcome to stay overnight at the hospice. Please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Toilets, shower and washing facilities Toilets for visitors can be found opposite the stairs on each floor and by the family facilities on the first floor. A shower for visitors’ use is also located by the family facilities.
If you wish to wash before praying, we have washing facilities next to the quiet room which is located inside our family facilities.
Transport links to the hospice The nearest station is Penarth (0.5 miles from the hospice). Buses 92, 93, 94 and 95 pass through Penarth. The nearest bus stop is on Marine Parade which is just outside the hospice. Local taxi number: Windsor Cabs: 02920 700 799 Local amenities If your visitor would like information about local amenities such as a bank, pharmacy or florist, please ask at reception for details.
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Preventing infections and how you can help
o Some of the more common infections include the common cold, flu, pneumonia and bronchitis. o If you already have an infection, such as a cold or flu, our nursing staff will discuss any additional requirements with your visitors. This is to make sure your infection is not spread to them and outside of the hospice. o If your friend or relative is unwell, ask them, if it’s possible, to wait until they’re well again before visiting you.
Why you’re more at risk of an infection When you have an illness or long-term health condition, you’re at greater risk of an infection. Some treatments can also weaken your immune system, making you less able to fight infections. As even a minor infection can have a serious effect if your body is less able to fight it, please tell your nurse if you experience any changes in your body that could be symptoms of an infection. These changes may include feeling hot, shaky, shivery or unwell; changes in a cough or a new cough; a mouth sore or sore throat; shortness of breath or nasal congestion; diarrhoea or vomiting; or any new onset of pain.
Things you can do to reduce your risk of an infection Wash your hands – it’s one of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of infection. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Always wash your hands: o before you eat o after going to the bathroom o after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
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Ask your visitors to clean their hands before entering the ward. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are available at reception, at the top of the stairs on the first floor and in each ward. You can also find one by your bed, for people to use when they enter and leave your room. If you have a wound or device in your limbs or body (such as a drip or catheter), please avoid touching it. If you need to touch it, make sure you wash your hands before and after doing so. Don’t share any equipment with other people who are unwell unless it’s cleaned before and after use.
Wash daily and don’t share towels with anyone. Change your nightdress or pyjamas regularly. Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing. Use a clean tissue, and not a handkerchief, when you have a runny nose or need to sneeze, then dispose of it straight away and wash your hands. Use a mouthwash.
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How to reduce your risk of falling People we care for at our hospice are at a greater risk of a fall. That’s because they’re often weaker or frail from their illness, or have poorer balance or problems with their mobility. We always make sure that our hospice environment is safe for people to move around in by reducing any potential risks that may cause people to fall over. When you’re admitted to the hospice, we’ll assess whether you’re at risk of falling so we can reduce any potential risks. This may involve using equipment such as a specialist bed or walking aid, or reviewing your medication to understand the side effects it may have on you.
What you can do to reduce your risk of falling If you’d like any assistance in your room or need to get up during the night, please use the call bell to ask for help from our staff. If you need to use the toilet frequently, especially during the night, let us know so we can make arrangements in advance to help you. Always stand up from your bed or chair slowly and gently. If you’re using a walking aid, always keep it within your reach. If you wear glasses or use a hearing aid, do keep them on too. Avoid walking on a wet, slippery floor. Don’t put on nightwear or clothes which are too long or big for you, as the extra fabric may cause you to trip. It’s also not advisable to walk around with only your socks on – always wear non-slip, well-fitting shoes or slippers if you need to get up and about. Keep the area around your bed tidy and encourage your visitors to put away the chairs they were using at the end of their visit, before they leave.
What to do if you have had a fall Please let our nurse or doctor know immediately. They’ll check that you’re not hurt and provide you with any treatment that you need. We’ll also discuss with you how we can reduce your risk of a fall in the future while making sure you can still be as independent as possible.
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Our services and how we can help Our hospice provides specialist care and support in a friendly, welcoming environment. We’re here to help you live as well as you can with your illness, giving you the best possible quality of life. We can help in many different ways to meet whatever your specific needs are – from relieving pain and improving your ability to move around, to giving you and the people you care about emotional, practical or spiritual support. All our services are free of charge to you and the people you care about.
Our hospice team Our doctors, chaplain, social workers and volunteers don’t wear uniforms they can be idenfitied by their name badges. However, many of our staff members do, and you can identify who they are by the type of uniform they’re wearing: In-patient unit ward sister Navy blue tunic
Deputy ward sisters Royal blue tunic
Staff nurses Blue and white striped tunic
Male staff nurses White tunic, blue epaulets
Healthcare assistants Mauve and white tunic
Physiotherapists White tunic and navy trousers
Occupational therapists White tunic and green trousers
Maintenance team Pale blue shirt and navy trousers
Housekeeping team Pale green tunic
Chefs White tops and checked trousers
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Who are we and what do we do? Nurses: Our dedicated nursing team is responsible for your care, during the day and at night. Doctors: Our doctors are based at the hospice and they’ll see you on a daily basis. There’s also a weekly consultant ward round – if you’d like a relative to be present for it, please let us know in advance. Physiotherapist: Physiotherapy can help you to move around and stay as active and independent as possible. This type of therapy may involve strengthening your muscles to help you to walk, or exercises to reduce shortness of breath. Our physiotherapist can also arrange walking aids and other equipment to help you get around. Occupational therapist: Occupational therapy can help you to maintain and manage everyday activities. Our occupational therapist will find out which activities are important to you, and work with you to find ways to achieve or adapt them according to your physical ability. Social and psychological support: Our patient and family support team offers emotional and psychological support – they’re someone you can talk to about whatever’s on your mind such as your illness, concerns and feelings. Our experienced social workers can also give emotional support and practical advice to you, your family and your friends including information on services and benefits that can help you and your situation. Chaplaincy and spiritual support: Our chaplain provides pastoral, emotional, spiritual and religious support to people of any faith, or none. We’re also happy to arrange for someone from your own faith to visit you if you’d like us to do so. Quiet room: We have a quiet room for you to use for prayer or reflection. It’s for use by anyone from any faith and as well as for quiet contemplation. There are also washing facilities close to the quiet room if you need to use them.
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Complementary therapies: We offer a range of therapies that can improve your sense of wellbeing. These therapies include aromatherapy; gentle and remedial massage; Indian head massage; reflexology; and relaxation. Please ask if you’d like us to book a session for you. Day therapy sessions: We offer various fun activities such as music, craft and quizzes for your enjoyment. We also have relaxation sessions that you can join in if you’d like to try it out. Other services: We can book an appointment for you with our visiting hairdresser, optician, chiropodist or dentist.
Services for your family and those caring for you Drop-in support for carers: If the person who cares for you needs someone to talk to, they can drop by the hospice to speak to a member of our staff – no appointment is needed.
Bereavement support: Our patient and family support team offers one-to-one emotional support to family members (including children and young people) and the person who’s caring for you.
For information about other Marie Curie services, please ask us or read more about them on page 19.
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Sources of information and other support for you
Useful publications
We have a range of Marie Curie information booklets at the hospice that you might find helpful. They cover health and wellbeing topics such as eating well, managing fatigue, exercise and mouth care.
We also have booklets that focus on the emotional and practical aspects of your illness and support for you and your loved ones.
These publications are available at our hospice information points located in the reception area and on the ward, or just ask one of our staff for an information booklet if you’re interested in a particular topic.
You can also find more resources on our website at mariecurie.org.uk/help
On our website, you’ll find:
information about our services and how we help
practical information and film guides to help you and the people who care about you
useful links to other organisations that can help
an online community where you can share your experiences and find more support from other people in a similar situation to you
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General information
Advanced life support We don’t have the specialist equipment to provide advanced life support for anyone whose heart stops suddenly (for example, in a cardiac arrest). If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your doctor or nurse.
Volunteers Every day, we rely on a team of dedicated volunteers who help out at the hospice by offering their time, skills and enthusiasm. You may see them at our reception desk, helping out at meal times or serving refreshments throughout the day. All our volunteers are bound by the same professional and organisational standards as Marie Curie employees, and they’ll be happy to assist you within their agreed roles.
Keeping people safe from harm We provide a safe and caring environment for everyone who uses our services. We do our best to safeguard adults and children we care for – this means protecting them from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. It’s our policy to respond immediately if we suspect that someone’s health, wellbeing or human rights are at risk.
Taking part in research projects
We want to make sure that we’re providing the best possible care and support to people living with a terminal illness. We carry out research to help us understand people’s needs, and how we can best meet those needs.
From time to time, there will be opportunities for people we care for to be involved in research studies. If you’re interested in our research projects, we can provide you with more information on how you can get involved.
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How we keep your information safe and confidential
We use your health records as a guide to help us plan and provide you with the highest quality of care. When you are referred to our hospice, we get information about you from your NHS healthcare team – your district nurse, GP or consultant – or directly from you.
Our commitment to you The Data Protection Act 1998 and the NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice set out the way we use your personal information. We have a number of processes that we follow to ensure the information we have about you is safe and secure with us. Sometimes we may need to share information about you with other agencies or individuals so that we can work together for your benefit. We’ll always ask for your consent to share information about you where the law requires us to. Anyone who receives information about you from us is also under an obligation to keep it confidential and secure. We’ll also respect any instructions you give us not to share your information, although this might affect your care.
If you wish to request your health records The Data Protection Act 1998 allows you, or a representative such as a family member, to ask for any information we hold about you and your care. This is known as a subject access request. You can ask us if you, or your representative, would like a copy of your health records. We’ll find out what you need and provide you with a subject access request form to complete so you can make your request. It may take up to 40 days for us to provide your health record to you.
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Let us know what you think We hope you’re happy with the care and support that you’ve been getting from us. We really value comments and suggestions on any aspect of the services that we provide at our hospice. We want people to tell us where we’re getting things right, and what we can improve on. We regularly display people’s feedback on noticeboards around our hospice, along with changes we’ve made as a result. As you've experienced care at our hospice we’d love to hear what you think too so that we can make things even better for everyone.
Here’s how you can give us your feedback: You could complete our hospice survey using an iPad that’s available from one of our hospice volunteers, or use our survey form – you can find one on the ward, at the main reception desk or just ask us for a copy.
You can also find an online survey on our website at mariecurie.org.uk/telluswhatyouthink
Tell us your story: If you’re particularly pleased with the care and support you have received from us, and want to share your positive experience with others, we’d really like to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] Write to us: My story – Communications team Marie Curie, 6th floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP
How to make a complaint: While we’ll always try to do our best to meet your needs and support your loved ones too, we know that sometimes things can go wrong. If you wish to make a complaint, please ask a staff member or refer to our leaflet, Tell us what you think, for guidance – it’s available at our information points in the reception and on the ward.
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A little about Marie Curie We’re here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left. All our services are provided to people free of charge.
Marie Curie Hospices Our Cardiff and the Vale hospice is one of nine hospices that we have in the UK. All our hospices offer the reassurance of specialist care and support, in a friendly, welcoming environment, for people and their loved ones – whether you’re staying in the hospice or just coming in for the day. Our hospices are located in Belfast, Bradford, Cardiff and the Vale (Penarth), Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hampstead (London), Liverpool, Newcastle and the West Midlands (Solihull).
Marie Curie Nurses Our nurses work night and day in people’s homes across the UK providing hands-on care and vital emotional support. They can help you stay close to the people you care about most, in the place where you’re most comfortable.
Marie Curie Helper We know the little things can make a big difference. That’s where our trained Helper volunteers come in. They can visit you regularly to have a chat over a cup of tea, help you get to an appointment or just listen when you need a friendly ear. If you’d like support from a Helper volunteer please ask our staff for more information. You can also contact the service manager directly. Phone: 0845 073 8596 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) Email: [email protected]
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Information and support We help everyone affected by a terminal illness to get the information and support they need whether you have an illness yourself or you’re a family member or friend. Contact the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday) to speak to a trained adviser or visit our website at mariecurie.org.uk/help. Our website is full of clear, practical information about living with a terminal illness – the impact it has on day-to-day living, how to cope with changes and manage different symptoms, planning ahead for the future and looking after someone’s wellbeing and care needs. We also provide useful links to other organisations that can help, and we have an online community where people can come together to share their experiences with others in a similar situation.
Marie Curie research We’re a leader in research into better ways of caring for people with terminal illnesses. We carry out research to help improve care and support across our services, as well as those provided by others. If you’re interested in taking part in a research project, please see page 16 or let a member of staff know.
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How you can support our work
Our services are always free to the people we care for.
It costs us almost £12,000 to run the Cardiff and the Vale hospice for one day. And that’s about £4.4 million each year.
As just half of our funding comes from the NHS, we rely a lot on people’s generous support to help us raise £6,660 every day so we can continue caring for people at our hospice.
If you’re interested in supporting our work, there are many ways you, or your family and friends, can get involved.
Our noticeboard in the reception area has lots of information that you can pick up on our local fundraising and volunteering opportunities.
Or if you want to find out more about how you can help, have a chat with one of our fundraisers based here at the hospice.
You can also contact our fundraising team on 02920 426 068, or find more details on our website: mariecurie.org.uk/getinvolved
We last updated this information folder in May 2015 with input from our hospice clinicians as well as people who’ve looked after someone living with a terminal illness.
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TV STATIONS CHANNEL NUMBER QVC Extra 57 BBC 1 Wales 1 True Entertainment 61 BBC 2 Wales 2 ITV4 +1 62 ITV Wales 3 TBN UK 65 S4C 4 CBS Reality 66 Channel 5 5 Tru TV 68 ITV2 6 CBS Action 70 BBC Three 7 CBBC 120 Channel 4 8 CBeebies 121 BBC 4 9 CITV 122 ITV 3 10 Pop 125 Pick TV 11 Tiny Pop 126 Dave 12 BBC News 130 Channel 4 +1 13 BBC Parliament 131 More 4 14 Sky News 132 Film 4 15 Al Jazeera English 133 QVC 16 Russia Today 135 Really 17 BBC Red Button 200 4 Music 18 Yesterday 19 Drama 20 RADIO STATIONS CHANNEL NUMBER Viva 21 BBC Radio 1 700 Ideal World 22 BBC Radio 1 Extra 701 Made in Cardiff 23 BBC Radio 2 702 ITV 4 24 BBC Radio 3 703 Dave Ja Vu 25 BBC Radio 4 704 ITV Be 26 BBC Radio 5 Live 705 ITV2 +1 27 BBC Radio 5 Sports 706 E4 28 BBC Radio 6 Music 707 E4 +1 29 BBC Radio 4 Extra 708 Five 30 BBC Radio Asian Network 709 5 USA 31 BBC World Service 710 Movie Mix 32 The Hits Radio 711 ITV1 +1 33 Kiss Fresh 712 ITV3 +1 34 Kiss 713 QVC Beauty 35 Kiss Story 714 Create and Craft 36 Magic 715 Quest 37 Heat 716 Quest +1 38 Kerrang! 717 The Store 39 Smooth Radio 718 Rocks and Co 1 40 BBC Radio Wales 719 Food Network 41 BBC Radio Cymru 720 Travel Channel 42 Talk Sport 723 Gems TV 43 Capital FM 724 Channel 5 +1 44 Premier Christian Radio 725 Challenge 46 Absolute Radio 727 4 seven 47 Heart FM 728 Movies for Men 48 Insight radio 730 Jewellery 49 Channel 5 +24 55
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