Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 1 Information for Patients & Carers
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 2
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 3 Patient Information Welcome to Foyle Hospice. This booklet will inform you what to expect during your stay with us which we earnestly hope will help you both physically and spiritually. Mission Statement Foyle Hospice provides a specialist palliative care service to people in the North West of Ireland, in particular the counties of Derry, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal. What is palliative care? Palliative care is appropriate for anyone of any age who is facing serious illness. It can be delivered alongside active treatments designed to prolong life at any stage in the disease process. It is also applicable at the end of life and during bereavement. Palliative care neither hastens nor prolongs death. It celebrates life, even when time is limited. It regards dying as a normal and natural process. The goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life for the patient and their family, by increasing comfort, promoting dignity and providing a support system to the person who is ill and those close to them. This may involve the relief of pain and other symptoms and the alleviation of other problems experienced during a serious illness. Palliative Care and Hospice Care Palliative care can be delivered in any care setting, including homes, hospitals and hospices. Hospices provide palliative care services at home, in day care centres and in inpatient units. Most people who come for inpatient care return home once their symptoms and needs are addressed. Page 1
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 4 Foyle Hospice is committed to:1. Providing the best possible quality of life for our patients during their stay and helping them to retain independence and control of as many aspects of their care and personal life as possible. 2. Sharing truthful information about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis with the patient in a sensitive manner. 3. Supporting families and friends to help them cope during their illness and in bereavement in an attentive but non-intrusive way. 4. Co-operating and collaborating with other professionals and support agencies, in particular the Primary Health Care Team and Hospitals. 5. Making palliative care decisions about treatment and care with the help of the members of a multi-disciplinary team and in line with the person s personal wishes and preferences. Team members usually include doctors, nurses and social workers. Occupational therapists or physiotherapists, chaplains, pharmacists, dieticians and others might also form part of the team. Page 2
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 5 Foyle Hospice Inpatient Unit Foyle Hospice Inpatient Unit is a purpose built facility which opened in June 1991. It can accommodate 10 patients, some in single rooms and others in shared rooms, all with en-suite facilities. In addition to the patients bedrooms the unit includes easily accessible toilets, a Jacuzzi bathroom, multiple sitting areas, a sun room, an interdenominational prayer room, selfcontained apartments and a visitors kitchen and sitting room. The services of Foyle Hospice Inpatient Unit are available to patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions (e.g. Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Referral to the Inpatient Unit is made through: The Patient s General Practitioner (GP) The Hospital Consultant/Palliative Care Team Foyle Hospice Specialist Home Care Team Foyle Hospice Day Care Team Patients are admitted to the Inpatient Unit based on an overall assessment of their individual needs. There are a number of reasons why people may be admitted to Foyle Hospice Inpatient Unit. These include:- Pain and other symptom control Specialised care in the final stages of a person s illness Respite care for the patient /family/carer. Page 3
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 6 Respite Care The length of stay in the Inpatient Unit depends on the individual needs of the patients. However, due to the demand on our beds, respite care will be planned and time limited, and is usually 10 to 14 days at any one period. This will be discussed with you in detail on admission and again can we stress it is on individual need. We are unable to provide long-term care in the Hospice. Advanced Life Support / Resuscitation We do not have the specialist equipment to offer advanced life support. If you have any question about this please ask your doctor or nurse. Discharge from Foyle Hospice Discharge planning commences quite soon after admission to the Hospice so that transition back to the home is effective and safe for the patient. This is a team effort involving negotiations and discussions with the following people where necessary:- The Patient and Family/Carers The Nursing/Medical Staff in the Inpatient Unit The GP/District Nursing Team The Social Worker The Hospice Palliative Home Care Team The Day Therapy Team Other Allied Health Professionals e.g. Physio, O.T. etc The following is a quick list of questions that patients need to read through and check that everything is in place to ensure a smooth transition home again. 1. Have you made arrangements for your return home? 2. Have you ensured that you and your family understand the instructions given by the Doctor or Nurse? 3. Have you received the Doctor s/nurse s discharge letter and prescription? 4. Have you retrieved all valuables handed in for safekeeping? 5. Have you made sure whether or not you are to attend the Hospice again, and if so when? 6. Have you made sure you have all your clothing, towels, etc and checked your locker and wardrobe? Page 4
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 7 The Multidisciplinary Team Foyle Hospice Inpatient Unit is staffed by doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, catering, household and administration staff, chaplains and volunteers. They work together as a team to provide you and your family with the most comprehensive care. You are encouraged to be involved in all decisions regarding your care. Family members are welcome to take an active part in caring for their relative/friend if they wish and it is appropriate. Medical The medical team is led by the Medical Director, whose aim is to ensure patients get the best possible medical care. Following admission the doctor on duty will carry out a medical assessment. Each day the doctor on duty sees you and if necessary your family. The medical team members plan your daily treatment to ensure that symptoms are controlled and the quality of your stay is maximised. Nursing The nursing team is led by the Director of Nursing. The day-to-day running of the Inpatient Unit is supervised by the Clinical Ward Sisters supported by our team of specially trained nursing staff. The overall vision of nursing in the Hospice is to provide patient-centred care and practice which is evidencebased, and to work in close partnership with patients, their relatives and carers. Other Health Professionals If following your admission it is decided other health professionals could help in your care the Hospice team will make the appropriate referral. Other health professionals who may visit you include the following; Physiotherapist Occupational Therapist Dietician Social Worker Speech & Language Therapist. Page 5
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 8 Counselling Foyle Hospice has a dedicated counsellor who provides one to one counselling in a safe environment to patients, relatives and carers as required. Counselling sessions are tailored to suit the needs of the patient/relative/carer. Counselling support can help people to navigate their way through the maze of emotional turmoil that is experienced through a serious illness. Chaplaincy The Chaplaincy Service offers patients, families, carers and staff much needed support and the opportunity to explore their own thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears. Chaplains of the main Christian denominations are informed on the day of your admission and are available to visit. The clergy from your own faith are welcome to visit at any time. Patients who decline chaplaincy visits will have their wishes respected. The interdenominational prayer room is located off the main front hall and is open to patients and families 24 hours a day for those who wish to spend quiet time there reflecting and praying. Bereavement Follow-Up The Foyle Hospice Forget-Me-Not Bereavement Support Group is available to help families cope with their bereavement through the provision of a support group which runs twice a year for a six week programme. There is a dedicated Children and Young Person s facilitator responsible for the provision of bereavement and family support for children aged 4-16 years who have lost a significant adult in their life. Page 6
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 9 Day Therapy Unit The Day Therapy Unit is open three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Attending Day Therapy will give you time away from home and offers you an opportunity to share any concerns you may have with professional trained staff. It also allows a break for the person who may be looking after you. Day Therapy provides a range of activities and services e.g. complementary therapies, hairdressing and relaxation Specialist Palliative Home Care Services The Community Palliative Home Care Team is a group of specially trained nurses who provide professional palliative care expertise and support to patients and families in their own homes. The Community Palliative Home Care Team work closely with the patient s G.P. and District Nurse to provide symptom control and promote quality of life. The role extends to meet the emotional and social needs of patients and their families. Support Staff As in all health care facilities, there is a large number of conscientious support staff including Fundraising, Administration, Reception, Catering, Laundry, Maintenance and House Keeping. Their ongoing support and dedication ensures a smooth and efficient service to all our patients. Volunteers The Hospice has over 200 volunteers who provide invaluable support and are involved in many aspects of the life of the Hospice including reception, patient care, fundraising and maintenance of our beautiful gardens. Page 7
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 10 GENERAL INFORMATION Admissions Referrals are accepted from Hospital Consultants, General Practitioners (GPs), Day Care Staff and the Hospice Homecare Team. Patients admitted to the Hospice from home should request that their GP arrange transport if they are unable to travel by car with family members. Patients admitted from Hospital will usually have their transport organised by the ward. On day of admission we would ask you to come in by 11am to make it easier for the admission procedure. What to bring Personal toiletries, e.g. soap, shampoo Nightwear, e.g. dressing gown, pyjamas, slippers Comfortable clothing for day time Male patients should bring their razors Books, notepaper Personal possessions/valuables If you would like to take personal belongings such as photographs for your bedside locker, feel free to do so, especially if they help make you feel more at home. Whenever possible, we ask that you leave your valuables (jewellery, large amounts of money) at home. We cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to your valuables/personal property unless it has been handed to the Nursein-Charge for safe custody and a receipt obtained. Medications Patient s medications, including controlled drugs, should not be brought into the Hospice on admission. However, it will be very helpful if a list of current medications is made available to the staff who are admitting you to the Hospice, the staff will make a note of them and return them to a close relative or friend for safe keeping at home. Page 8
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 11 Visiting Foyle Hospice has open visiting for close family/friends. However, it is suggested that family and friends limit visiting between the hours of 9am-12 midday, to facilitate patients getting bathed/showered, dressed and the Doctor s ward round. Meal times are also protected for patients unless family/relatives are assisting in feeding. Meal times are as follows:- Breakfast 9am 9.30am Lunch 12.45pm 1.30pm Tea 5.15pm 6.00pm During visiting times we would ask that you respect the privacy of other patients, particularly in the shared bedrooms. Try to limit the number of your visitors to 2 or 3 at any one time. There are also some communal sitting areas available throughout the Hospice for visits with family and friends. Staff will show these areas to you and your family on admission. Children are welcome to visit provided they are supervised at all times by an adult, however, with the risk for infection we ask that you speak to staff before allowing children under 2 and small babies to visit the unit. If you wish to have any restrictions on your visitors please speak to the nursing staff and this can be arranged. Page 9
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 12 Visiting relatives who themselves are unwell are asked not to visit the Inpatient Unit as they may be putting patients health at risk. Telephone Enquiries We ask that a designated family member (this may not necessarily be the nextof-kin) is selected to phone the Hospice with telephone enquiries on 028 71 351010. Relatives can call patients directly on 028 71 350828. Visitors Room (Kitchenette) There is a small kitchen and sitting area for relatives to use during a patients stay in the Hospice. Facilities include a cooker, microwave oven, kettle, toaster and fridge. Relatives are asked where possible, to bring in their own food /beverages and to consume their meals in the relatives kitchen/sitting area, not in the patients bedroom. Relatives are asked to keep the kitchen/sitting room clean and tidy and to wash up when they are finished so it is fit for use by others. Due to health and safety regulations, visitors are asked not to carry beverages out on the corridors. There is a vending machine and water dispenser located in the hallway close to the relatives kitchen/sitting area. Accommodation for Relatives Relatives of seriously ill patients may sometimes be able to obtain overnight accommodation in the self-contained apartments in the Hospice. Staff in the Inpatient Unit will notify relatives when it may be advisable to stay with patients and they will give details regarding the accommodation at this time. There are showering facilities in the apartments. We ask that relatives respect the facilities by keeping them clean and tidy at all times. Page 10
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 13 Laundry Laundering of patients clothing is the responsibility of relatives or friends. However, in exceptional circumstances, there is a limited service for patients personal laundry. Smoking The Hospice is a non-smoking facility, complying with government regulations. There is a designated area outside the Hospice for visitors who wish to smoke and staff will direct visitors to this area. Only patients are permitted to smoke in the smoking room located near the Alpine Ward. We ask that all visitors respect the No Smoking signs located throughout the Hospice. We would also ask visitors to respect the beautiful gardens and paths by discarding their cigarette ends and packets in the bins provided. Alcohol The consumption of alcohol by visitors is not permitted, and visitors arriving under the influence of alcohol may be refused admission to the Hospice Inpatient Unit. Fire Safety There is a fire alarm system linked to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services. This system and all fire safety equipment are serviced regularly. Regular fire training and fire alarm drills are carried out. Patients and visitors will be informed when a drill/test of fire alarm system is due to take place. If the fire alarm should sound (and you haven t been informed that it s a drill) raise the alarm or inform staff. Then wait for and follow instructions from staff. Only evacuate if instructed to do so. Transport On discharge from the Hospice it is the family who usually provide transport back to the home. However, if an ambulance is required, the nursing staff will assess this and organise your transport. Page 11
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 14 Services in the Home On discharge from the Hospice all patients are eligible for advice and treatment from staff working in the community through their GP, to include District Nurses and support carers and other health professionals. Once patients are back in the home, the GP and District Nurses are usually the first point of contact for follow up care and advice where necessary. Other services that the patients can avail of following discharge from the Hospice are the:- Specialist Palliative Home Care Team, and Hospice Day Therapy Team Referral to both of these services, if necessary, will usually be planned and made whilst still an Inpatient in the Hospice. Funding All patients admitted to Foyle Hospice receive care free of charge. Foyle Hospice is an independent charity receiving some funding from the Western Trust but relies on the generosity of the public, and the dedication and enthusiasm of our fundraising staff and volunteers. BUPA BUPA makes a donation to the Hospice for all BUPA members who are admitted to the Inpatient Unit. The process for initiating the donation is simple, requiring authorisation from you or from your next of kin on your behalf. Please ask a member of staff for further details. Page 12
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 15 And finally Subject to your physical state and weather permitting you and your family are encouraged to take full advantage of one of our unique features - our beautiful gardens. They are designed to promote peace and tranquility. All areas are wheelchair friendly and we hope you enjoy them. Like the Hospice itself, they are there for you.
Patient Information_Layout 1 24/10/2011 16:32 Page 16 Foyle Hospice 61 Culmore Road, BT48 8JE T: 028 71 351010 E: care@foylehospice.com W: www.foylehospice.com Registered Charity No: XN/76407