Day Hospice Service to begin...

Written by Dr. Donal Martin - Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Tuesday, 01 November 2005

{mosimage} It is with a great sense of pride and achievement that we can announce that a Day Care service will begin soon at the Donegal Hospice. This is in no small measure down to the energy and effort invested in this project by the Donegal Hospice Voluntary Body under the chairperson of Mr. Noel O'Connell with the support of the Health Service Executive (North West Area). Hospice Day Care service is an essential component of any fully functioning Palliative Care Service and Hospice. Historically, day care has always drawn on the range of services available locally; as a result there has been a wide diversity of provision of services throughout the U.K. and Ireland, ranging from the more medical to the more social in approach. This is now changing with the recent development of Government backed strategies for a nationwide delivery of Palliative Care. Today, all services existent, have a common core approach of addressing the patients total needs within an environment that acknowledges individuality and the requirement for flexibility. The remit for this service should and will complement that of the in-patient Hospice Unit in many aspects. Although in the past Day Care has been attended by elderly patients suffering mainly from cancer, it must be emphasised that this service will be available to all our patients irrespective of age or diagnosis. The primary role of Day Care is that of an introduction to the Hospice, which many patients (especially the elderly) find a daunting prospect. Day Care introduces our patients to the Hospice building and a full range of day time services that they couldn't otherwise access and de-bunks the myth of Hospice as a fearsome place. The second important role is that of respite for patients and their carers. By taking people out of their homes during the day time hours and giving them a change of environment, we are also providing much needed respite for their carers. Social interaction and support is an important outcome of attending Day Hospice, which in turn has a vital impact on well-being. The usual range of services available to people in day care extends from complementary therapy to nursing, medical, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy review. All appropriate and safe complementary therapies will be employed where possible, limited only by the range of skilled personnel available to supply and supervise the service. An open-minded approach is vital to the success of this project. Finally, the Day Hospice will provide an essential role in maintaining our patients at home in the community by providing an enhanced level of clinical surveillance and physical care on a weekly basis. With Day Care service, the Donegal Hospice, which has so successfully established itself over the last 3 years and is now a highly regarded institution within the community, reaches out even further to all those in need of care and support at home. I have no doubt that Day Hospice will be as valued by the people of Donegal as that of the in-patient hospice unit. Once again my gratitude to all those involved in supporting the development of this very worthy and much needed project. November 2005

Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 April 2006 )

 

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