ST BARNABAS: Service helps patients spend their final days at home

An important part of this is listening to the feedback we receive from patients and their families in order to take into account their end of life preferences.

In recent years we have found that most people, given the choice, say they would like to spend their last days at home, where they feel safe and comfortable.

Our Hospice at Home team enables this where possible, bringing St Barnabas’ unique care into the home.

Overall we saw a five per cent growth in our service during 2015/16, but one thing that was particularly notable was the increase in the level of care we have been able to provide for people in their own homes.

Over the last year, 429 patients were referred to our Hospice at Home Team for “hands on care” at home.

The team made 3,400 daytime visits, providing 5,690 hours of care, in addition to 418 night sit visits which delivered a further 3,717 hours of care.

As a result of this service, 90 per cent of people supported by the Hospice at Home Team were able to die at home.

Unfortunately not everybody is able to live their last days in their own home.

This is, however, a service we continue to develop and has ultimately proven to be a great success thus far.

The Hospice at Home Team is based at St Barnabas House and are available to provide care seven days a week, from 8.30am to 9pm.

We also operate a night sitting service from 10pm to 7pm.

The team can be contacted during office hours be telephone on 01903 706361 or by fax on 01903 70639.

To find out more information about our Hospice at Home service, please visit our website: www.stbh.org.uk/hospice-at-home

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