Day Hospice

Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week, and providing support for up to 15 people each day, the Day Hospice is an important part of many of our patients’ journey. They have the opportunity to feel nurtured and cared for in a safe environment, whilst also being able to participate in various events and activities if they wish to do so. Knowing that a sense of well being can be achieved by balancing their social, physical and psychological needs can make such a difference. Each person attending the Day Hospice has previously been allocated a clinical nurse specialist. Having the opportunity to visit their patients whilst attending, saves the nurse valuable travelling time, which, in turn, benefits another patient. And the opportunity to have access to a Hospice doctor, should the need arise, helps reassure people.

The past year has seen an increase in the number of patients being able to use our day care facilities. Perhaps this increase has been partly due to the fact that patients are more aware that they don’t have to commit themselves to attend for the whole day, but can attend for just the morning or afternoon. Having the opportunity to come as an outpatient for complementary therapy or to see our physiotherapist or occupational therapist has also added to the interest.

Patients take part in art workshops and craft sessions, and are often entertained by visiting singers, actors and musicians. There are also talks on many interesting subjects to listen to. We have continued to have various outings, which add to the variety of the day and give patients the opportunity to get out and about, something many of them are otherwise unable to do. Pub lunches, ten-pin bowling, a trip on the Chichester canal boat and several mystery tours are just some of the many trips that have been made!

While patients are at the Day Hospice, their carers get a break, and for those who live alone, the Day Hospice provides welcome company, an assisted bath if needed and an excellent lunch!