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St John’s Hospice and Information and Support Centre (complete website text)

Opened in 1992, St John’s Hospice was built and equipped from funds raised by Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust. The ongoing responsibility and costs are met by Doncaster Primary Care Trust.

The hospice has ten in–patient beds and a lively day care facility. It is surrounded by landscaped gardens and the aim is to create a home–like, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Our Hospice offers comfort, peace of mind and spiritual well-being for people with a life threatening illness.

We provide holistic palliative care, which encompasses the specialist relief of physical, emotional, social and spiritual problems whilst respecting the individuality of life.

We recognise that dying is a normal part of living. We support patients, families and carers to live each day to the full.

The centre opened in 2004 and was built and equipped from funds raised by Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust.

The building houses a number of clinical teams and services and also boasts impressive facilities that can be accessed by the public, including internet facilities, an Information Suite and a multi-media library.

The centre is open Monday to Friday 9.30 am – 4.00 pm and drop-in is invited, although an appointment can be made, if preferred.

To bring together the people of Doncaster affected by the experience of a life-threatening illness, in a place designed to offer contact, understanding, direction and hope.

No.19 from Doncaster town centre to Weston Road. Please phone Traveline on 0870 608 2608 for more information.

Doncaster train station is ten minutes by car. A taxi rank is situated outside the station.

From Weston Road, turn into the main entrance at Tickhill Road Hospital, continue up the main drive and take the first right turn. The centre is signposted and there are ample free car parking spaces.

St John’s Hospice and St John’s Information and Support Centre have almost 100 volunteers working alongside staff to help extend and enhance the services we provide to our patients, their carers and families.

Volunteers are an integral part of the hospice – without them some services wouldn’t be able to function – this is why all our volunteers are valued members of the team and are appreciated by each and every patient, carer and member of staff.

As a volunteer at St John’s, you know that every time you walk through the door you will be making a difference by supporting members of your local community who are living with a life-limiting illness.

As well as the knowledge that you are spending your time so productively, it is also an opportunity for you to make new friends, learn new skills and have a lot of fun in the process!

There are several social occasions throughout the year, Christmas – where long service awards are presented to volunteers who have worked 5 years and 10 years, and during the summer, when volunteers are thanked formally for all the work they do at the annual volunteers buffet luncheon.

Volunteers undertake a wide variety of roles throughout the hospice and information and support centre, these include: -

This group of volunteers work closely with the patients, serving refreshments and meals, helping with activities such as painting, clay work, card making, assisting on days out and generally interacting with patients throughout the day to ensure they receive maximum benefit from their time at the hospice.

These volunteers work closely with the nursing staff on the in patient unit, serving meals and refreshments to patients and their families, arranging flowers, general housekeeping around the ward and talking to patients and relatives on the unit.

Volunteer drivers work with different departments within the hospice and information and support centre to ensure patients and carers are able to attend clinics / appointments / day care placements on a regular basis. Drivers will collect patients / carers from their homes and transport them to the hospice, then return them home again.

Reception volunteers at the hospice are the first point of contact for any visitors. They are responsible for answering the telephone, taking messages, greeting visitors / patients / relatives / friends - ensuring everyone receives a warm welcome into the hospice.

Volunteers work within the grounds of the hospice to ensure everywhere is kept tidy and the gardens and grounds are maintained at a constant high level, so all our patients and visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the hospice.

This specially trained team of volunteers work with patients living with a life-limiting illness and / or recently bereaved relatives. They are trained to give emotional and practical support to people when they need it the most.

Volunteers work with different departments throughout the hospice and information and support centre, providing administrative support to the professional teams.

Many fundraising and awareness events are held within the hospice throughout the year. We need a team of volunteers for each event to ensure refreshments are served, visitors are greeted and the event runs as smoothly as possible.

All volunteers can claim travel expenses to and from the hospice and any other out of pocket expenses they may incur as a result of their voluntary role.

Most of our volunteer positions require very little specialist training, however some volunteers do need to undertake certain training courses to fulfil the needs of the role.

All new volunteers will be asked to undertake a period of shadow training before commencing their volunteer role, this enables them to learn from existing volunteers and see the job being done first hand.

Also, all new volunteers are asked to attend an induction afternoon, which includes mini-presentations from different members of the hospice team who talk about their individual services, how they fit in with the wider organisation and how they work towards achieving the hospice philosophy.

Volunteer drivers are required to undertake mobility training to ensure they can help manoeuvre patients in and out of the car safely and use wheelchairs correctly.

Ward volunteers are required to undertake food hygiene training as the role involves food preparation.

Volunteer bereavement support workers are required to undertake an 8-week course to help understand the needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses, their carers and families.

General training courses are held on a regular basis for all volunteers – new and old to learn new skills and gain a better understanding of the hospice movement. Some courses focus on self – awareness and communication skills, and others aim to provide and insight into bereavement and loss.

Volunteering at St John’s Hospice and St John’s Information and Support Centre can be as flexible or as structured as you like.
Some volunteers prefer to have the same 4 hour shift each week, and others prefer to work a little more flexibly, coming in on an as and when basis.

We have such a diverse team of volunteers, ranging from students at college / university wanting work experience to individuals who have retired and have some free time on their hands. We will always try to accommodate the needs of the volunteer when providing a voluntary placement.

All volunteers at St John’s Hospice and St John’s Information and Support Centre have to go through a standard application process. This consists of:-

Making initial contact with the Voluntary Services Manager, this can be done in writing to:

Julie Thornton
Voluntary Services Manager
St John’s Hospice
Weston Road
Balby
Doncaster
DN4 8JS

An application pack will then be sent out to potential volunteers to be completed and returned to the Voluntary Services Manager. The application pack will consist of an application form, an equal opportunities monitoring form, an occupational health questionnaire and the request for details of two referees. A criminal records bureau application form will also need to be completed.

On receipt of the completed application form, the Voluntary Services Manger will contact the potential volunteer to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet and discuss voluntary placements.

Depending on the area chosen by the potential volunteer, a further interview will be held with the senior member of staff in that particular department.

If the application process is successful, training will be arranged and a voluntary placement will be offered.

St John’s Hospice & St John’s Information and Support Centre Volunteer Mission Statement

To work with and support staff in caring for terminally ill patients, their families and friends

“Volunteers are the backbone of the hospice movement, they provide an invaluable service to their local community and help to ensure all patients, carers and families receive the highest level of care at a time when they need it the most”

St John's Information & Support Centre
Weston Road
Balby
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN4 8JS

Grief is individual and each of us reacts to it differently. No-one can completely understand what another person's grief is like, but it is an experience most of us go through and there are people willing to listen and understand as much as they can. If you have feelings of guilt, panic, anger, fear or self-pity, do not try to hide them; they are part of your grief. Try to share them with an understanding listener.

If friends seem to be avoiding you, it is possible they are embarrassed because they feel helpless to say or do the 'right' thing. They too may be grieving.

Allow yourself to express your feelings - good and not so good - with someone you trust. Allow yourself to cry, to laugh, to be angry. You have lost someone you feel deeply about and it hurts - allow yourself to experience the pain so that you may work through it.
If you feel that it would be helpful to talk to someone about your feelings and experiences, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. The Hospice Bereavement Service offers you the opportunity to meet with a counsellor.

The Balloons of Eternity Event is a remembrance service for families and friends who have lost a loved one to a life-limiting illness over the last 6 months.

The event consists of readings and songs from the Salvation Army Songsters, followed by the releasing of balloons in memory of the loved one that has passed away.

Families and friends are then invited to stay for refreshments and this gives them the opportunity to talk to others and share their feelings and memories.

“The day was very emotional, but at the same time very comforting – a day I will never forget.” Jean – attended Balloons of Eternity, June 2007

The aim of counselling is to give you an opportunity to explore, discover and clarify ways of living more resourcefully and toward greater well-being.

Time to reflect - an opportunity to meet with another person, professionally trained to listen and share your problems.

Time to gather yourself - when circumstances worry you and deep feelings are involved, you may be unable to see things clearly.

vents take control and you feel lost, frightened and angry, causing you to feel fragmented and out of control of your life.

Regular sessions within a calm atmosphere will provide the opportunity for changes to begin. The aim is for you to evaluate problems within a safe, trusting and confidential environment.

This may not be an easy process. However, counselling can be a way of helping you with issues, and you may begin to:

• See the world from a different perspective
• Recognise the value of others around you
• Explore your own potential
• Face your limitations
• Trust others
• Ask for things you never dared or thought you had a right to

If you would like more information, a chance to discuss counselling or an appointment with a counsellor please contact:

Care together is a support network designed to help people who are looking after a family member or friend diagnosed with a life threatening illness.

We know how difficult it can be caring for someone at home who has cancer or some other life threatening illness.

Caretogether in Doncaster provides a helping hand for families and friends who are involved in a caring role.

For help with benefits/finances, complementary therapies or simply someone to talk to, we're here to help and our services are free.

You can try a complementary therapy, surf the internet or just take a break and relax.

There are many complementary approaches to health, often with a confusing overlap of influences and theories and an immense variety of methods for diagnosis and treatment. With the increasing popularity of complementary therapy, the number of therapies available have grown enormously. But how do they work? What does treatment involve? How safe are they and which therapy is best for you?

After discussion with you, a joint decision will be made between yourself and the therapist, as to which therapy would be best suited to your specific needs.

Should you like to have further information on the therapies offered pleases ask to speak to one of our Complementary Therapist.

Day Care aims to provide additional support and comfort to people suffering from serious illness. We work closely with existing health professionals and provide an informal, homely environment in which you can relax.

The day starts about 10.00 am and finishes at 3.00 pm, but you can come and go anytime between these hours. We are open every weekday from Tuesday to Friday, except Bank Holidays.

We offer a choice of refreshments on arrival and a chance to talk to other patients. You may also discuss any problems or worries you may have with the nursing staff.

A range of diversional activities are available according to your interests and capabilities. Alternatively, you may just wish to relax and do nothing!

We will provide a lunch time meal. We are able to cater for special diets and a light snack is available as an alternative. Drinks and light refreshments will be readily available.

If possible, we would prefer that a member of your family or a friend brings you along - they will always be welcome to pop in for a drink and a chat. If you are without transport, we may be able to arrange for one of our volunteer drivers to collect you and take you home.

Please bring any walking aids that you normally use at home. If there is anything you are unsure of, don't be afraid to ask. We are here to help!

If you would like to know anything else about Day Care, or would like to visit first, you can telephone the hospice on Doncaster 796666. Please ask for the Day Care Leader.

Chaplains regularly visit St John's Hospice, and two in particular have been appointed to provide spiritual and religious care. They work as part of the multi-disciplinary team and provide support for all patients, staff, carers, relatives and students.

The "Chaplains" are also available for all carers whether family, friends, or relatives etc. They always respect people's religious, cultural or non-religious beliefs. If anyone would like to speak to a chaplain they can be contacted through any member of staff.

Providing support, guidance and information to patients with cancer or life-threatening illness, their carers, families and friends.

• A comprehensive range of information on all aspects of living with cancer
• Someone to discuss your needs and concerns with in confidence
• A comfortable and friendly non-clinical environment
• Signposting to other local and national services and support

The service accepts self-referrals from patients, carers, family members, friends and anyone with questions or concerns relating to cancer.

Simply drop-in, call the Helpdesk, write to us, or email your enquiry and it will be dealt with promptly and sensitively.

The service offers help and support to anyone affected by, or concerned about cancer or life-threatening illness, including patients, carers, family members, friends, health and social care professionals and the general public.

No appointment is needed, so call in for a chat or feel free to browse the wide range of leaflets, books and other materials on display.

Information can also be sought via the internet, with or without support from staff.

All visitors are welcome to select relevant information materials that are free to take away or you can sit and read, use the Internet or watch DVDs / videos within the suite, as you prefer.

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Facilitator is usually on hand if help or guidance is required, or if you prefer a specific appointment can be made.

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Facilitator ensures that you have access to up-to-date and appropriate information and support when it is needed, at any stage of illness from suspected diagnosis, throughout treatment and afterwards. The service works in a sensitive and supportive way to complement the care provided by other health care professionals that may be involved.

• Information leaflets and books
• Videos, DVDs, audio cassettes
• Supported internet access
• Information on local and national support groups and organisations
• A resource for health care professionals
• A postal service - contact the service with an enquiry and information can be posted direct to your home if requested

Monday - Friday 9.30 am - 4 pm
Helpdesk: Monday - Friday 9.30 arm - 4 pm
Helpdesk Telephone 01302796853

Drop-in Information and Support sessions are also offered by the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Facilitator on a weekly basis at Bassetlaw General Hospital, The Vermuyden Centre, Thorne and The Chatsfield Suite. Please phone for further details.

A professional involved in your care or someone close to you will have referred you to the hospice. The referral will have been discussed with the professional hospice team beforehand to enable us to prepare for your admission. Most patients stay on average approximately two weeks, but if further care is needed, this will be discussed with you.

When you come in, you will need toiletries, nightwear and a small amount of day wear. You do not need to bring towels. Please also bring all the medicines and any dressings you are currently using. It would also be helpful if you bring with you a supply of any supplementary feeds you may be taking. Details of any impending hospital appointments are also useful.

You will be allocated a 'named nurse' who is initially responsible for planning your care and ensuring that this plan is implemented and evaluated throughout your stay. All this is done in conjunction with a doctor specialising in palliative medicine. A member of the nursing team is always available to discuss any problems relating to your illness and to answer any questions that may arise. They can also arrange for you or your family to talk to the doctor or another member of the multidisciplinary team. All nursing staff wear the same uniform and are usually addressed by their first name.

During your stay you will meet various members of the multidisciplinary palliative care team.

Any small personal items you wish to have may be brought into the hospice. We suggest that valuables or large amounts of money be left at home. If this is unavoidable please hand them in to the nursing staff for safe keeping and a receipt will be given. The hospice cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to any personal belongings that you bring with you.

Meals are prepared by the hospice catering team. A choice of menu is available and special diets can also be provided.

Beverages can be served at any time and also light snacks on request. Meals are served at the following approximate times.

Visitors are welcome to bring in any special treats for you and are also welcome to use the ward kitchen. However, we ask that children do not use the kitchen facilities.

During Mealtimes we respectfully request that all visitors refrain from using the kitchen.

Family and friends, including children, are welcome to visit you at any time. Facilities are available for visitors to stay overnight, however please remember that you and your family and carers need time to rest. The supervision of children remains the parents/adults responsibility at all times.

There are no restaurant facilities at the hospice for visitors, however nearby Tickhill Road Hospital provides this service. There is also a coffee shop and W.R.V.S shop within the main foyer at Tickhill Road Hospital that can be easily accessed from the hospice.

If a visitor is staying overnight with you, then a cooked breakfast will be offered to them along with light meals during the day.

There is no charge to visitors for beverages, but donations are gratefully accepted. A box in the ward kitchen is provided for this purpose.

A family room is available where you or your visitors can relax in private. Facilities available include a television, video and DVD player, along with a small selection of toys. There is also a separate conservatory with seating and a television.

Relatives and friends may enquire about your wellbeing at any time of the day or night by telephone. For large families it is sometimes helpful to have a "spokesperson" through whom enquiries can be filtered. There is also a portable telephone that can be brought to your bedside so that calls can be made or received. The following numbers may be helpful: -

You may have a mobile phone and this may be used within the hospice. However, please be respectful of other people when making and receiving your calls.

You are welcome to receive visits from your pet, however please check with nursing staff first.

Daily newspapers can be ordered by arrangement. You have your own television/video at the bedside and we have a small selection of videos. You may also wish to bring your own videotapes in to watch. We also have a selection of music tapes and books for your enjoyment.

St. John's Hospice operates a no smoking policy for staff, however, facilities near the day care area are available should you wish to smoke.

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.

The team is based at St John's Hospice in Balby, but care is given in the community, in people's own homes.

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

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).

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.

An informal assessment of your needs will take place. You will be involved in all decisions about what care is to be provided.

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Macmillan Mobile Lymphoedema Service

Based at St Johns Information and Support Centre
Weston Road
Balby

Contact Number:	Hours of Service
Tel: 01302 796670	8.30 – 4.30 Mon to Fri
Fax: 01302 796660	Not weekends or bank holidays
Email: Vanessa.whaley@dsh.nhs.uk

Tuxford Health Centre
Mexborough Health Centre
Thorne LIFT building

Following a medical referral to St Johns Information and Support Centre all patients are assessed by the specialist practitioner within four weeks, for clinic patients, within three working days for community, hospital, nursing home and hospice and an agreed treatment plan is negotiated.

Information, education and support for ‘at risk’ patients
Negotiated maintenance programme
Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy
Educational pathway for cancer and non cancer related lymphoedema patients

The service expects and encourages patients and carers to become self-caring, therefore education is offered as 1-1 and as workshops. These have been agreed in consultation with the patients and carers and include:

Education

The service also has a remit to provide professional education which is offered as Awareness Days - Day long study days for all professionals , medics, nurses (practice, ward, community, nursing home), physiotherapists, occupational therapists and phlebotomists. In fact any professional that may come into contact with patients that are at risk of or have developed cancer related or non cancer related lymphoedema.

We participate in Health Days and Market Days and any other opportunity to raise the awareness and the care of the condition - lymphoedema to patients, carers, the public and professionals.

The service supports and encourages the lymphoedema support group, which is managed by patients for sufferers and their carers.

North Trent

The service works within the North Trent Lymphoedema Framework and all the practitioners throughout the North Trent meet regularly to develop the standards, guidelines and protocols across the region to ensure equity of care. The practitioners of the North Trent region have formed a new group with the support groups of the region The North Trent Practitioners and Users Group to ensure patient led services.

Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling, usually of the arm or leg (but can be any part of the body) caused by the removal of or blockage / damaged of the lymph glands. This may be caused by cancer or it’s treatments.

The lymphatic system is a fine network of vessels similar to the arteries or veins that help remove unwanted fluid and debris from the tissues back into circulation.

What makes the lymphatic system different to the arteries and veins is the lymph glands.

Every so often along the pathways of the lymphatic vessels are lymph glands. The glands are tiny and bean shaped and they filter the fluid and debris that is travelling along the lymphatic system. It breaks down the unusable material such as the dead and damaged cells and fights the foreign cells such as infections (part of the immune system).

When glands are removed, as in surgery for cancer, the body cannot always compensate for the loss. In many cases it can, but unfortunately in some, the lymphatic system becomes slower and the fluid that ordinarily would have been removed un-noticed remains in the system longer causing the arm or leg to swell. Although Lymphoedema is a long-term problem, which cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed very well.

I am a Senior Occupational Therapist
specialising in palliative care
I am based at St. John's Hospice

Hospice ward - working alongside other hospice team members to help you plan and prepare for your return home.

Hospice daycare - working alongside Daycare staff and volunteers to help with any difficulties you may be experiencing with activities of daily living, plus health education advice such as:

* preventing falls / safety at home
* fatigue management
* relaxation
* equipment /adaptations

In your home - I can visit you and your family at home to discuss how you are managing, and arrange treatments, equipment provision, adaptations or simply offer advice.

Following an individual functional assessment, I will plan your treatment with you and agree realistic goals, prioritising what is most important to you.

These may include:

• providing specialist advice in adapting your lifestyle, relaxation, energy conservation, time management and goal setting
• showing you easier ways to manage routine tasks, e.g. getting dressed
• prescribing equipment to assist independence, e.g. raised toilet seats
• measuring and arranging fitting of minor adaptations, e.g. grab rails, in your home
• assessing access difficulties and provide ramps, half steps or wheelchairs
• advising on seating and positioning for comfort and pain relief
• advising on larger adaptations, e.g. stairlifts, showers
• applying for Macmillan grants for you to purchase special items
• prescribing specialist equipment, e.g. profiling beds and hoists
• supporting applications for re-housing if your home cannot be adapted to meet your needs
• advising and support to carers on any moving and handling issues or difficulties with daily living

The Macmillan palliative care community team of clinical nurse specialists is based at the St. John’s Information and Support Centre. Five nurses (two of which job share one post) cover the Doncaster area. We are experienced nurses who have had additional training in cancer care.

For those who are unsure of the meaning of palliative care here is a World Health Organisation definition –
“… Control of pain, of other symptoms and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families…” (World Health Organisation 1990)

We work closely with GPs and district nurses (the Primary Care Team) giving support and information to cancer patients, or patients with life threatening illnesses, and their families and carers. This help is available from diagnosis, throughout the treatment programme, and to people with advanced illness. GPs, and district nurses are experienced in looking after patients who need palliative care. We work with them to support patients who have complicated needs. In some circumstances we may only need to advise another professional, or see a patient for a short period of time until a particular problem is resolved.

Explain the best way to control pain and other symptoms
Advise and guide patients through the different treatments available
Spend time with patients and their families for important psychological and emotional support
Liaise with other services, e.g. district nurses, GPs consultants, social services and voluntary services

We provide support and education to other professionals so that they can help patients that require palliative care at home. We work in partnership with other professionals in the specialist palliative care team.

If you think you need the support of the Macmillan nurses it is a good idea to speak to your GP or district nurse and they will talk about your concerns and refer you to the service. We do not take over your care from them and it is important that they are aware of our involvement. If, however, you have difficulty doing this you can speak to us directly for advice. We are available Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) 9am until 5pm. If your problem is an emergency you need to ring your GP. We are out and about during the day so you may need to leave a message on our answer phone, but we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Pathways is a friendly monthly support group, offering emotional support, information & education.

Sometimes it can be difficult talking to friends and family about how you really feel after a cancer diagnosis.

Pathways provides a confidential environment where you can meet and share experiences with others.

Pathways meet on the last Wednesday of each month at St John's Information & Support Centre from 10.00am - 12.00pm.

Hospice ward - working closely with other hospice team members to help with the planning for patients returning home, in addition to giving treatments.

Hospice Daycare - working closely with Daycare staff, including treatments such as:

• relaxation
• exercise advice
• breathlessness management
• fatigue management

In your home - I can visit you at home to discuss how you and your family are managing at home, maybe planning exercise regimes with you or arranging the supply of equipment that would assist your independence.

Following an individual assessment, I will plan your treatment and set goals with you that you identify.

• Providing walking aids and teaching you to use them safely » Teaching exercises that you can continue regularly
• Advising you and your carers about positions that may make you more comfortable
• Teaching you and your carers techniques to help you manage your breathlessness
• Helping with clearing chest secretions
• Ordering equipment, such as wheelchairs, to help you manage better at home
• Helping with pain control
• Teaching you relaxation techniques
• Advising carers how to help you move in ways that cause you and them less strain

Physiotherapy aims to help patients with cancer or other life threatening illnesses become, and remain, as independent as possible through all stages of their illness.

Physiotherapists work closely with patients, family, carers, and all other health professionals to set realistic goals.

They plan treatments to try to help patients achieve the things that are important to them and improve independence, manage daily tasks easier and have an improved quality of life.