Day Unit

The purpose of the Hospice Day Unit is to offer you support and help. We aim to do this by working with you to help you with any difficulties you may have. We also work closely with your GP, district nurses, specialist nurses (Macmillan), and inpatients and outreach service, aiming to add to the support they already give you.

We provide a range of activities and services that we think you will find helpful and enjoyable. The Day Unit also gives you a chance to meet new people, gives you a day out and gives your usual carer a day off. You also have the opportunity to talk to professional staff in a safe and friendly environment.

Services and facilities available:

There are both professional people and volunteers on hand. You will have the opportunity to meet different members of the staff. Each has their own particular skill and expertise to offer you help whenever needed.

• Medical Staff - Your own family doctor is responsible for medical care while you are attending, and he or she will prescribe in the normal way. However, our team of doctors can offer you advice and suggestions to you and your GP for further treatments.

• Nursing Staff will provide help with your dressings whenever necessary. Blood transfusions are given when appropriate. Baths, hair washes and foot spas are available.

• Physiotherapy is provided both days within a group session and on an individual basis. Individual problems are addressed in relation to mobility, exercise, pain management, breathlessness - again tailored to provide the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

• Complementary therapy is provided both on an individual basis and as a group session. An assessment is made prior to individual treatment to help provide the best treatment for you.

• Entertainment - Although this is a medical Day Unit we have volunteers to help us provide the social aspects. There are opportunities to get together for a chat, listen to music, play games, take part in craft sessions and quizzes, and a TV is also available. Occasionally entertainment is provided and guest speakers are arranged. Relaxations and reminiscence play a regular part in our timetable. We also have occasional art therapy sessions.

• Meals and beverages - an aperitif is provided at 12am and then a 3 course lunch is served at 12.30am. Our cooks prepare fresh meals daily. If there is nothing suitable on the menu then our chefs will try and accommodate your needs. Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the day.

How to get a place at Day Unit

Your GP, district nurse, consultant, specialist nurse or any other health care professional involved in your care can refer you. On receiving your referral we will contact you by phone and arrange for you to visit us.

Day Unit Availability

Day Unit is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-3am. You will be invited to attend for one of those days. We will try to meet your first choice if we can. Up to 10 patients attend the day unit daily - all adults over 18 years of age. You will initially attend for an assessment day followed by a 12 week placement. Extensions are given to patients occasionally. Re-attendance for a further 12 week placement is given to patients when appropriate.

Traveling to Day Unit

A member of our volunteer driving team will pick you up from your home and bring you to the Day Unit for 10am. The volunteer will return at 3pm to take you home again. Sometimes you will share a journey with one or two other patients, but we try and arrange for the journey to be as short as possible. If you are unwell on arrival a doctor will be available to see you. If you are too unwell to attend, a home visit by your GP can be arranged to assess your condition. Providing transport for you is part of our service., however you may prefer to drive yourself or have a friend or relative drop you off. Ambulance transport can be provided occasionally if your mobility is such that you are unable to get in a car.

If you would like any more information about the Day Unit please contact Sue Lewis on (01229) 580305.

Day Unit

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