Frequently Asked Questions

We accept referrals from professional health services like GPs or hospital teams who will have assessed the patient’s specific needs.

They will discuss the referral with you beforehand.

We support anyone with a life limiting illness including cancer, dementia, chronic lung and heart conditions, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease or other debilitating condition.

People come to us because they need the kind of specialist care we can provide.

Some patients, with life limiting conditions, may have already spoken to their doctor or healthcare professional about an Advanced Care Plan. This is an arrangement to stay in the Hospice when they become very unwell and wish to spend their remaining time with us. You and your doctor will decide when that time is right for you.

However, this isn’t the route for all patients. You may be admitted for a temporary stay if your doctor or health professional thinks you’d benefit from our specialist care. That could be helping to manage your symptoms or pain relief and our focus is on getting you back home and doing the things that are most important to you.

Everyone is different and you may be with us for a short stay while we manage your symptoms and get you back home or to another place of care more suited to your long term care.

For those who choose to spend their last days with us, it can be a few days or weeks.

We encourage families and close friends to visit as much as you like.

Yes, well-behaved pets are most certainly allowed!

No, there is no charge to you or your family.

We are a charity and we fundraise for most of the £4 million pounds that it costs to run the Hospice per year. A small amount comes from the government but we do rely on fundraising and grants. We are always very grateful for donations and support from our community.

We have catering facilities and we’ll prepare all your meals. Please let us know about special dietary needs so we can serve food and drink to suit you. If there is something particular you’d like, we’ll do our very best to make it available.

Bring your normal toiletries, comfortable clothing and footwear and some nightwear. We always have spare toiletries in case you’ve forgotten something. Where possible, we ask that your family manages your personal laundry. There’s no need to bring large amounts of money and please leave valuables at home.

We have health professionals on duty 24 hours a day including, nurses, care assistants and other staff. Doctors are here during the day and are on call 24 hours. Our medical director is a specialist consultant in palliative care and is responsible for the overall running of the Hospice.

There are also other health care professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a social worker and family care nurse who can help support families. Our bereavement support team are also available for counselling.

All our clinical staff are supported by teams who provide essential services that keep the Hospice running smoothly like, receptionists, accountants, housekeeping, gardeners, catering and not forgetting our fundraisers.

Yes, we can contact faith and spiritual leaders in the local area and make sure that you have access to your chosen person.