Patient and Family Support

by Karen Taylor

The Patient and Family Support Team are available for patients and their families. The team is based in the Martlets Hospice.

Often being admitted to a Hospice or attending a Day Hospice can be a difficult and emotional time for patients and their families. We are able to provide emotional, spiritual and social support and be alongside the person in distress or need. Every patient coming into the hospice is offered an appointment with a member of the team within a few days of the admission.

The team includes Karen Taylor who is the Manager, Chris Spinks the Chaplain, Pam Page and Jon Bowra both Social Workers and Mary Bredin and Pam Jouanides who are the Counsellors specialising in child and family support.

The emotional support available can be a simple as a listening ear or an opportunity to discuss fears, anxieties, thoughts and feelings. Emotions at times when a person has a progressive disease and is facing death can be overwhelming; often sharing those thoughts can provide a space to find calmness during a turbulent time.

The team can advise on a wide range of practical matters including: facilitating packages of community care following a discharge from the hospice, guidance on finding a nursing home place if needed, claiming for appropriate financial allowances, providing contact with a solicitor for arranging a will or Lasting Power of Attorney. In fact we can offer some form of support or direction for any concern that you may have about yourself or your family, which is not of a medical or nursing nature

Chris Spinks is the Hospice Chaplain and is responsible for the spiritual care of patients, relatives and staff. There is a small chapel at the Hospice and Chris runs a weekly service. The short, simple service is non-denominational and is open to anyone who wishes to attend. "The Hospice approach is about holistic care; taking people as a whole and addressing the needs of the mind, body and soul." says Chris. "Although I have a Christian perspective, my support is aimed at those of all faiths as well as those with none."

Some patients ask for communion or prayer and Chris has also arranged for baptisms, weddings and a confirmation to take pace in the Hospice. Others are looking for less specific, spiritual support. "When people are facing death they may need to think about what lies ahead and to find some meaning in their suffering. Talking through these concerns can make them calmer and happier."

Bereavement events such as 'A Time to Remember' and 'Light up a Life' also give relatives and friends an opportunity to reflect and remember their loved ones. They offer music, readings and the lighting of candles. "These events are an important part of the support we provide and are a celebration of life." says Chris.

If you would like to come and see us please contact the Patient and Family Support Team on 01273 273400.