Patient Information
We are a service set up to provide additional support to people suffering from serious illness such as cancer, to enable them to remain living at home.
The charity Marie Curie Cancer Care provides 50% of the salaries of some of our staff - these are known as 'Marie Curie Nurses'.
Who are we?
The service is headed by a Specialist Nurse in Palliative Care; supported by a Junior Sister and a Senior Nurse.
Home visits are provided by highly experienced, qualified nurses and nursing assistants.
Where are we?
The team is based at St John's Hospice in Balby, but care is given in the community, in people's own homes.
What care is offered?
Respite visits - usually 4-6 hours so the carer can take some time out (this can allow them to go shopping or socialising, or just to stay at home without the responsibility of constantly watching their loved one).
Care is available at any time of day, including evenings and weekends - we are usually able to offer two visits every week.
Night care is also available from 10pm until 7am, two nights per week to allow carers to get a well earned good night's sleep.
What can we do?
Whatever the carer would normally do. This can include washing and dressing, helping into the bath and providing light meals and drinks, or taking the patient out for walks or in a wheelchair.
A small number of staff are also able to give Complementary Therapy, eg reflexology, massage, Reiki
How much does the service cost?
Nothing - it is free to all patients and carers.
Who is the service for?
The daytime respite service is only available to cancer patients, but night care is available to patients with other conditions who are thought to be in the last days of life (your nurse or doctor will be able to advise you on this).
How do you access the service?
In the community your District Nurse, GP, Macmillan Nurse or Social Worker can make a referral on your behalf.
In hospital or the hospice referrals can be made by the ward staff prior to discharge.
What happens following a referral?
A nurse will contact you within 2-3 days and offer to visit you at home.
An informal assessment of your needs will take place. You will be involved in all decisions about what care is to be provided.
