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FAQ’s and Useful Links

FAQ's

How are patients referred to St Raphael’s?

Patients are referred by their GP or Consultant if there are symptoms or problems relating to their illness with which we can help.

What happens after referral to St Raphael’s?

An initial appointment for assessment is arranged with a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Home Care Team member) during which the patient – and their carers – will be able to discuss how best we can help.

Do patients only come to the hospice to die?

No. Many of our patients are admitted for a short period of time so that symptoms may be relieved or a period of respite care provided. This will often enable patients to return home with follow-up support by one of our Specialist Home Care Nurses.

What does the Specialist Home Care Team do?

The Specialist Home Care Nurses work closely with the Hospice doctors to care for the patients in their own homes. Together with General Practitioners, Community Nurses and Social Services, they provide specialist care to enable patients to stay at home if they so wish.

What is Day Care?

Day Care provides the social benefits of a day out, access to physiotherapy, comforting therapies, welfare advice and emotional support whilst providing a break for carers at home. Our Day Care Service is open Tuesday to Friday and can care for up to 15 patients a day.

Is there an Out-Patient Service?

Yes. We have Out-Patient Clinics for patients who are referred by their GP or Hospital Consultant for medical assessment and symptom control advice, for counselling or bereavement support and for welfare advice regarding social and financial issues.

What service can the Hospice provide local Hospitals?

We have close links with the hospitals in our areas providing specialist nurse and medical advice to in-patients and staff.

How does St Raphael’s support families and friends?

We offer short-term support and counselling to partners, family (including young children and teenagers) and close friends, offering them help in coming to terms with their grief. Advice and help are also available to deal with social and financial issues.

Do patients have to pay?

No. We make no charge for any of our services. The sole criterion for Hospice care is medical need.

Who pays for St Raphael’s?

From year to year, between 25% and 30% of our annual funding comes from the NHS. The rest comes from our local community, mainly from individuals, local businesses, trusts, schools, churches and other organisations, legacies and the efforts of the friends of St Raphael’s, our shops and our Lottery.

Is St Raphael’s a religious foundation?

St Raphael’s is one of the charitable works of the Daughters of the Cross, a religious order and registered charity. Like all Hospices, we accept people of all and no faiths, ensuring that we respect the wishes and needs of our patients, families and friends at all times.

USEFUL LINKS

The following are links to other websites that may be of interest.

St Raphael’s Hospice is not responsible for the content of any external sites.

  1. Planning Ahead helps you make personal arrangements for use after your death.
  2. The When Death Occurs section assists you and your family after the death of a loved one.
  3. Announcements enables you to post a notice of death and
  4. Everlasting Post is where tributes and enduring memorials can be created.

 

 

 

Please note: that St Raphael’s is not responsible for the content of any external websites.