Dr. Ian MacLellan-Smith - Medical Director

Death is a difficult subject; it's difficult for the patients and it's difficult for their friends and family, but that's why Willow Wood is here - to help. Its team of health professionals is dedicated to providing care for those suffering from a life-threatening and life-limiting condition. The need for this kind of care continues to grow at an alarming rate. Hospice Medical Director Dr. Ian MacLellan-Smith takes time out of his busy schedule to try and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Is there such a thing as a typical day?

I normally start work about 8:30am and we'll have an admissions meeting about our in-patient unit where patients need to come in for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps for symptom control or pain management, or they may have had a crisis the day before at A&E and it's inappropriate for them to stay there - the hospital will then liaise with the Hospice and admit them here.

In our out-patient clinic we see patients who have got quite complex issues and that requires time to go through to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Have there been any recent developments at the Hospice and what are the plans for the future?

Our Out-Patient Clinic is relatively new and provides palliative care assessment and advice to patients who are living with cancer or who have limited life expectancy. This includes a range of clinics, which are provided on an out-patient basis to support specific needs of the patient and family and/or carer - both physically and psychologically.

We also have a new dedicated 24-hour helpline for professional health carers who require more information on palliative care. In terms of future plans, we already have a Lymphoedema Clinic, and we are also hoping to introduce a Blood Transfusion Clinic at the Hospice. We want to continue strong links with the PCT, Tameside and Glossop Acute Trust Hospital and the community.

Can you describe the Day Hospice and In-Patient care the Hospice provides?

Our In-Patient Unit consists of eight single en-suite bedrooms, and two double rooms. Referrals to the In-Patient Unit are for symptom management, care in the terminal stage of illness and occasional respite care. Patients are usually admitted for a two-week stay, during which time they are assessed on a daily basis. In-patients have access to hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, and a range of complementary therapies.

The Day Hospice has up to 15 places each day and patients are invited to attend for 12 weeks - once or twice a week, depending on their individual needs.

What do you enjoy about your job?

Working with like-minded colleagues - there's a huge support network, for both patients and staff. Of course there is an emotional part to what I do but helping patients gives me a spiritual uplift. I get immense satisfaction out of my job.