Other Hospice Facilities

Blood Transfusion Clinic

A Blood Transfusion Clinic has recently been launched at Willow Wood. The clinic, a joint venture between Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Hospice, enables patients to receive blood transfusions at Willow Wood, alleviating the need to visit a hospital.

The new service, a result of more than 18 months of planning and preparation, has been welcomed by both staff and patients. Dr Michael Tapley, the Hospice's medical officer, said: "We are delighted to have opened this clinic. The new service is in line with the recently implemented Department of Health End of Life Care Strategy which aims to improve the quality of life for those with life limiting illnesses."

The clinic was opened following extensive training from Mark Storah, specialist practitioner of transfusion at Tameside Hospital and is headed up by Sister Pat Hunter. She said: "The clinic enables patients to receive treatments closer to home and no longer have to visit the clinical environment of a hospital. A clear benefit is patients can now enjoy the comfort and quiet facilities of Willow Wood while undergoing their treatment."

Dining Room

The Hospice has a subsidised Dining Room, catering for patients and their families and/or carers. Special dietary needs and/or large parties of visitors can be catered for by prior arrangement, but please bear in mind that the needs of patients (and staff) must take priority.

Meal times can be arranged to suit the particular needs of individuals, but the standard opening times are as follows:

• Breakfast: 8.00am to 10.00am
• Lunch: 12.00pm to 2.00pm
• Evening Meal: 4.30pm to 6.00pm

Relatives can also obtain tea and coffee from the Dining Room until 7.00pm.

Social & Spiritual Needs

The Hospice has a multi-faith Prayer Room for use by patients and their families.

We have a team of Chaplains from local churches that visit the Hospice regularly. Patients are also free to ask for their own spiritual advisor at any time.

We have our own Social Worker who is available should you have any concerns regarding benefit entitlements, housing issues, and services available in the community. Please ask the Nursing Staff to arrange a consultation if you require any help or advice.

Carers' Support Group

Willow Wood Hospice recognises the important part carers play in caring for a person who has Palliative Care needs.

The aim of the Group is to provide psychological, emotional and practical support for the carers and loved ones of Willow Wood patients, in accordance with National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidlines. The knowledge that carers are important reduces their feelings of isolation.

What we offer:

• Therapeutic listening - someone to listen, in a relaxed, informal setting
• Social and peer support - an essential element of Group work. Sharing of experiences and ideas within the Group
• Friendship
• Access to information and professional support, e.g.
  - Social Services information
  - practical information - where to get equipment and help
  - financial concerns
  - end-of-life choices
  - preferred place of care
• An opportunity for carers to visit the Hospice and meet the staff before In-Patient admission or bereavement
• Peace of mind - meeting the staff who are looking after their loved ones
• Information and advice from Social Worker as required (e.g. contact numbers)
• Establishing a means of pre-bereavement support and a gentle introduction to the Hospice

Carers are given practical advice and offered as much information as possible to help them cope.

They are given time for themselves, and the opportunity to:

• Have their nails and/or hair done
• Take advantage of the Hospice's aromatherapy, reflexology, yoga and relaxation facilities
• Enjoy some artwork, or just a cup of tea and a chat!

Julia Boswell
Day Hospice Sister