Clinical Services

Referrals are accepted from any member of the health and social care team involved in your care e.g. Macmillan Nurse, District Nurse, Nurse Specialist, Consultant. This will be arranged with the knowledge and involvement of your GP who will retain responsibility for your care.

In order to help patients access the services that meet there needs it is essential we receive the necessary referral information. To help patients, carers and professionals understand the admission and referral criteria, download:

• Admission and referral criteria
• Palliative Care Services Referral Form
• Hospice at Home Referral Form

We strive to provide a homely, welcoming environment, placing significant emphasis on an individuals dignity, privacy and comfort. To assure you of our commitment to quality service, patients and families/carers are encouraged to visit the Hospice prior to admission at a mutually convenient time. (Phone 01207 529224 to speak to the nurse in charge)

The Hospice currently offers a range of services that respond to individual needs. Our four bedded In-patient Unit is open all day, every day and offers pain and symptom management, respite or end of life care to those with a life limiting illness. We strive to provide a homely, welcoming environment, placing significant emphasis on an individuals dignity, privacy and comfort.

Facilities available

Each patient has an individual bedroom with wash hand basin, TV, and DVD player. There is an assisted bathroom and assisted wet room available for patient use. Patients and their families/carers also have a number of communal areas which they can use, including a large lounge, dining room, conservatory and the main Hospice garden.

Supporting families and carers

We believe interaction with families/carers is very important to those in our care and we have an open visiting policy. Should patients family and carers wish to stay overnight they are also more than welcome to use the reclining chairs and beverage and snack facilities on offer. We ensure that patients can stay in touch with loved ones through the use of telephones in the patient area. Email and internet use is limited but can be made available to patients and carers.

Carer testimonial "My wife could not have spent her final weeks with anyone better than the wonderful Willow Burn team. Your commitment and care shown towards Julie was first class."

Barry, Stanley

Medical Support

Medical care is maintained by the patients respective visiting GP, maintaining continuity of care. More complex needs are addressed by a GP with Special Interest in Palliative Care with the support of the Community Palliative Care Consultant.

Why choose In-patient care?

• When symptoms such as pain or vomiting are difficult to manage at home, admission allows for monitoring and changes to treatment
• When circumstances become difficult at home due to lack of resources or equipment, a short stay allows time for the planning and implementation of a package of care
• To allow families/carers to have a holiday or just a break from caring
  
• If you or your loved one has stated or recorded on an Advanced Care Plan that they wish to receive end of life care in the hospice. Help and support is provided with completing this document

To find out more about the following services offered by Willow Burn Hospice read and download the Willow Burn Patient and Relative Information booklet

• Day Care Activities
• Hospice at Home
• Lymphodema Information
• Berevement Service
• Palliative Care Therapy Service
• Breathless Management Programme
• Therapeutic Touch
• Smoking Information

Carer testimonial "The ambience of Willow Burn is second to none and you know that your loved one will receive special care given freely by the staff in a most professional empathetic way possible"

Roy, Burnopfield

Family Testimonial "The hospice at Willow Burn provided tremendous support to my mother in the last weeks of her life. The staff are dedicated and have a wonderful manner in providing support for people in often very difficult circumstances. As a family we were always made to feel welcome and it came to feel like home."

We welcome your feedback

The views and opinions of those using our service are very important to us. Help us to maintain our high standard of patient centred quality care and develop the services we offer by completing the Patient Satisfaction Survey

When & how can I attend Day Hospice?

Patients can attend their local day hospice following referral from their Macmillan, District Nurse or any member of the multi-professional team involved in their care. Day Hospice is open three days a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) from 10am to 3pm and can accommodate up to for ten patients each day. A volunteer patient care driver is available to transport patients to and from their homes, if required. Ambulance transport can be arranged for those with mobility difficulties.

We would welcome a family member or friend to accompany you on your introductory visit.

Download the standard Palliative Care Services Referral Form

What can Day Hospice offer me?

The aim of the day hospice is to improve the quality of life for patients coping with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families and carers, to provide palliative rehabilitation to patients wishing to normalise their life. Patients will be supported in improving their well-being and achieving confidence. The day hospice provides a positive environment of mutual support within a calm and relaxed atmosphere and offers the following services for those who are well enough and want to join in:

• Monitoring and management of symptoms by trained nursing and medical staff.
• Psychological & emotional support
• Access to a range of multi-professional services as required
• Complementary therapies - including massage, acupuncture
• Creative activities
• Manicure and beauty treatments
• Gardening group
• Access to information
• Respite for families and carers

What do I need to bring with me?

• You are required to bring any prescribed medication that you would normally take during the period of your visit
• You may wish to bring indoor footwear
• Any walking or other aids you rely on

A home cooked lunch is provided free of charge and refreshments are served throughout the day, consideration is given to special dietary requirements.

To find out more view our Welcome to Willow Burn Hospice Day Centre booklet

Patient and carer testimonial - "To recognise the need for help was a big thing for both of us, and we were nervous of what effect it would have. In fact it has enriched both our lives and made it easier to cope."

Muriel and Derek, Durham

To find out more about Willow Burn Day Hospice please contact Sara Symonds, our Day Hospice leader - ssymonds@willow-burn.co.uk

What is Respite Care?

Even though many families take great joy in providing care to their loved ones so that they can remain at home, the physical, emotional and financial consequences for the family care giver can be overwhelming without any support, such as respite. Respite provides the much needed temporary break from the often exhausting challenges faced by the family care giver.

Patients admitted for respite care have access to the full range of services available to those receiving in-patient care.

How can I arrange Respite Care at Willow Burn?

Willow Burn recognises the need for advanced booking for respite care, allowing carers to plan and utilise their time, safe in the knowledge that their loved one will be given the highest possible standard of individualised in-patient care.

Referral is made through any health or social care professional involved in your care. Admission can be arranged at individually agreed times usually for one week with further bookings being made on an eight weekly basis should this be required.

As we currently only have one bed allocated for respite care, advance booking is recommended if specific dates are required.

Discharge

In order to avoid disruption to the respite programme it is expected that all respite patients will be discharged to their previous place of residence and their package of care, if required, resumed on the agreed discharge date.

In the event that a patients condition should deteriorate during their stay and there is no other bed available within the hospice the following options will be considered:

• Possible transfer to an alternative Hospice
• Possible transfer to a nursing home
• Arrange to increase the home care package

Find out more about the services the Hospice offers by reading the Patient and Relative Information leaflets:

• Willow Burn Welcome Leaflet
• Mission & Philosophy
• Hospice Palliative Care Team
• Inpatient Care
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Day Care Activities
• Hospice at Home
• Lymphodema Information
• Berevement Service
• Palliative Care Therapy Service
• Breathless Management Programme
• Therapeutic Touch
• Smoking Information

Carer Testimonial - "The commitment of the staff was most gratifying and I believe that all the people at Willow Burn are unlikely to be found anywhere else in the caring profession"

Roy, Burnopfield

For further advice or information regarding our service please contact Janet Ridley, Clinical Services Manager - jridley@willow-burn.co.uk

What is Hospice at Home?

Hospice at Home is an integral component of community palliative care bringing the skills, ethos and practical care associated with the Hospice movement into the home environment and putting the patient and those who matter to them at the centre of our care.

Why would I need Hospice at Home?

Many people express the wish to be cared for or to die at home but, because of the physical demands and the emotional burden this puts on the carers, patients can often be admitted to hospital for their last remaining days. This can cause a great deal of distress to both the patient and carer. The Willow Burn Hospice at Home team aims to help alleviate these problems and to continue to provide help and practical support up to and after bereavement.

How do I access the service?

Referrals can be made by any of the health and social care professionals involved in your care. This must be done with the knowledge of your district nurse as they will maintain responsibility for your continued care.

Download the Hospice at Home referral form

How often can help be available?

Our service provides trained support staff to give basic personal care to patients, a rest to the carers and emotional support to all of the family. This can be for a period of three hours or more during the day to allow family or friends some respite or it could be overnight (10pm - 7am) to allow carers a nights sleep. We will try to meet your wishes as far as practically possible.

Find out more about Willow Burn Hospice at Home service by reading the Patient Information Leaflet

We welcome your feedback

The views and opinions of those using our service are very important to us. Help us to maintain our high standard of patient centred quality care and develop the services we offer by completing the:

• Hospice at Home satisfaction survey for patients
• Hospice at Home satisfaction survey for carers
• Hospice at Home satisfaction survey for professionals

For further advice or information regarding our service please contact Janet Ridley, Clinical Services Manager - jridley@willow-burn.co.uk

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is the accumulation of lymph in the tissues causing swelling and is due to a reduction in lymphatic drainage. It generally occurs in the arms or legs and may be a condition from birth or may develop as a result of some forms of cancer and its treatment.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is made up of a series of vessels and glands, known as lymph nodes which are spread throughout the body, much like your blood vessels.

The lymphatic system has two important functions:

• It helps fight infection
• It drains excess fluid from tissue

Problems associated with lymphoedema

If the lymphatic system becomes disrupted or damaged it can lose the ability to drain fluid and the excess fluid will then cause tissue to swell.

People with lymphoma are also more vulnerable to infection as the infection-fighting lymphocytes are prevented from reaching the part of the body that is affected by swelling. A bacterial infection of the skin known as cellulitis is one of the most reported infections in people living with lymphoedema.

What does Willow Burn Lymphoedema service offer?

The service offers patients advice and treatment on skin care, exercise, massage and the fitting of compression garments to help alleviate the condition.

The lymphoedema clinic operates weekly on Mondays and is provided by a specialist Physiotherapist and two RGNs with qualifications in this speciality.

How do I access the service?

Referral can be made via a health professional such as your Consultant, Nurse Specialist or GP either by letter or using the standard Palliative Care Service Referral Form. You can also refer yourself by contacting the Hospice directly.

A specialist physiotherapist and specialist occupational therapist provide a comprehensive palliative therapy service to patients in Derwentside, County Durham. Anyone receiving services from Willow Burn whether it is in-patient, day hospice, outpatient or Hospice at Home, can access the palliative care therapy service.

Where and how can I receive treatment?

• Assessment and treatment can take place either at Willow Burn or in the patient's home
• Treatment can be done on a one to one basis or in group work
• Group work could include relaxation, anxiety management, activities, pre-discharge for day hospice patients

What types of intervention are offered?

• Home assessment
• Functional assessment - provision of equipment for daily living
• Anxiety management - relaxation
• Hand therapy
• Pain management - use of TENs, massage, acupuncture
• Chest care - management of breathlessness and management of secretions
• Mobility assessment-provision of walking aids, exercise programmes, fatigue management and wheelchair provision
• Lymphoedema management
• Discharge planning

How can I access the therapy services?

• Patients already known to the hospice are referred by Willow Burn nursing staff
• Community patients can be referred by any health or social care professional involved in their care

Individuals, including carers/family can access complementary therapies at Willow Burn.

What can complementary therapies do for me?

• Help you feel better and improve your quality of life
• Improve your general health
• Give you a sense of control over what is happening to you
• Reduce stress, tension, sleeplessness, anxiety and depression and make you feel more relaxed
• Help to reduce symptoms, such as pain, feeling sick, breathlessness, constipation, diarrhoea, tiredness and poor appetite
• Help to reduce some of the side effects of treatment

There may be complementary therapies that are not suitable if you have a particular type of illness or during a particular treatment. It is important to tell your complementary therapist about your condition and treatment.

What types of therapy are available at Willow Burn?

• Aromatherapy
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation
• Therapeutic touch
• Hypnotherapy
• Lymphatic drainage massage

Who delivers the therapies at Willow Burn?

• Physiotherapist
• Occupational therapist
• GP with Special Interest in Palliative Care
• Visiting therapists from the charities, Coping with Cancer & Life Span

For further advice or information regarding our service please contact a member of the nursing and therapy team at Willow Burn Hospice - enquiries@willow-burn.co.uk

The aim of this programme is to identify the cause of your breathlessness, offer advice on ways of reducing the impact it has on your everyday life and to help you achieve realistic activity.

Why would I be breathless?

Breathlessness is a common problem with certain types of illness. It can be present as a result of radiotherapy treatment to the lungs or if chemotherapy has caused scarring (fibrosis) in the lung tissue. Breathlessness can also result from other medical conditions, such as anaemia or a chest infection.

How can it affect me?

It can be a frightening and distressing symptom to live with and can have an effect on all areas of your life. Besides making it difficult to carry out your usual daily physical activities, it can also affect how you feel about yourself and the relationships you have with others. Difficulty in breathing can cause feelings of anxiety and panic that can be difficult to control and in turn, can actually make your breathing worse.

What does the programme consist of?

The programme consists of 5 sessions over an 8 week period as follows:

• Session 1 - Initial assessment, breathing control and mobility assessment (week 1)
• Session 2 - Functional assessment and fatigue management (week 2)
• Session 3 - Cognitive therapy (week 3)
• Session 4 - Relaxation and nutrition (week 4)
• Session 5 - Final assessment (week 8)

Each visit will last approximately 1hour and includes a one to one session with a member/members of the multi-professional team.

For further advice or information regarding our service please contact a member of the nursing and therapy team at Willow Burn on enquiries@willow-burn.co.uk

The team at Willow Burn will do our utmost to support loved ones facing loss. This can be at any point during the patients illness or after death.

Facing grief and loss

When someone who mattered to us dies, we experience grief, which consists of a whole range of emotions. Grief is natural but it is painful and may bring unexpected feelings or symptoms. Grieving is the struggle to make sense of what has happened and how to adjust to loss.

Willow Burn thanks-giving service

The Hospice holds a thanks-giving service on the evening of the last Wednesday of every month. This service is non-denominational and is conducted by visiting clergy from the local community, with the support of members of the nursing team. The invitation is open to the loved ones of the deceased patients who have been under the care of the hospice.

Willow Burn Family Support Services

Willow Burn offers free confidential support and advice for people affected by the diagnosis or death of someone with a life limiting illness.

The service can help you deal with stress, difficulties and changes that may occur, along with the practical issues that may be worrying you. We offer the opportunity to talk through what is important to you and your loved one, as well as helping you to access any other relevant support and information.

Bereavement Support

The skilled team at Willow Burn will support you with the emotional and psychological impact that the death of a close friend or family member can have on your life.

What we can offer

• One to one support
• One to one counselling
• Family support
• Advice
• Information
• Practical support
• Signposting to relevant services

Where does the support and counselling take place?

• Willow Burn Hospice, Lanchester
• Willow Burn Office, Consett
• Community venues
• In certain circumstances we can also arrange to visit you at home

Download the Bereavement Service Leaflet

Download the Family Support Service Leaflet

For further advice or information regarding our service please contact 01207 583898 or e-mail familysupportservice@willowburnhospice.org.uk

Patients with life limiting illnesses that may not require admission to the In-patient unit and may not want to be involved in Day Hospice can book an outpatient appointment with Dr. Crack, Palliative Care Consultant, or Dr Petterson, GP with Special Interest in Palliative Care.

For further advice or information regarding our service please contact a member of the nursing team at Willow Burn Hospice - enquiries@willow-burn.co.uk

The clinical team at Willow Burn Hospice is available at any time of the day or night, offering support, advice and information to patients, carers and professionals with palliative care concerns whether they are involved with the Hospice or not. If we are unable to meet your information needs we will make it our mission to relay your request to someone who can.

Willow Burn Hospice offer a link with the Mesothelioma Centre - a one-stop resource on all asbestos and mesothelioma-related issues ranging from occupational exposure to mesothelioma clinical trials

 Those who become diagnosed with mesothelioma often find comfort and relief from a large support network made up of family and friends.  Mesothelioma is a terminal disease and hospice and palliative care is an option for those with terminal malignant mesothelioma.