Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust Medical Staff Induction Day

Specialist Palliative Care at New Cross Hospital

Dr Clare Marlow Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Definition of Palliative Care

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Active total care of patients whose disease no longer responds to curative treatment, Focusing on quality of life and Integrating the

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physical

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psychological

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spiritual

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social aspects of care

Palliative care

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Cancer and non-cancer requires a collaborative (multi-professional) approach follows the patient: Provided at home, in nursing homes, in residential care, in hospitals and in specialist units

The palliative care approach

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is good clinical practice informed by a knowledge and practice of palliative care principles

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should be a component of health care available to all patients who need it

Hospital Support Specialist Palliative Care Team • • • • • •

3 Specialist Palliative Care Nurses 2 Consultants (sessional input) and 1 Specialty Registrar in Palliative Medicine 1 Palliative / End-of-Life Care Facilitator 2 Specialist Occupational Therapists 2 Palliative Care Social Workers 2 Specialist Physiotherapists

The team is based in New Cross Hospital and supported by a Team Co-ordinator

Why refer to the specialist palliative care nurses?

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Advice:

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For pain and symptom management

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If complex psycho-social issues identified Help with planning a complex discharge Identification of patients who require specialist in-patient care within a hospice setting

Why refer to the palliative care social worker ?

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Patients with palliative social care needs:

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To plan and organise social care after discharge

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To assist with the transition into palliative care nursing homes

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For financial advice for both patient and carers

Why refer to the specialist OT and Physiotherapist ?

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Give patients some autonomy back

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Active rehabilitation may be key to best quality of life

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For preparing a successful discharge home with appropriate equipment Guiding family on practical issues for future care

Services provided by Compton Hospice • • • •

Home Care and Hospice at Home Day Care In-Patient Admissions for:

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Pain & Symptom Control

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Psychological Support Rehabilitation Terminal care Bereavement Support

In-Patient Admissions at Compton Hospice • • • •

18 Beds for catchment area of over one Million Population Average Stay 14 Days (not a long stay facility) Waiting List operates

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Highest needs for Specialist Care take priority 60% Discharged, 40% Die in the Hospice

The Palliative Care Team

may be contacted on Ext 5212 (Monday - Friday) Advice can be obtained out of hours from the On-Call Medical Team via Compton Hospice (0845 2255497)