Q: How do people get referred to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice?
A: Usually your GP or hospital doctor will refer you. If you think that the Hospice may be able to help you or someone you love, we suggest you ask your GP first. Most GPs in our local area know who we are and what we can do.
Q: Is the Hospice only for people with cancer?
A: No – we care for people with any terminal diagnosis, but we specialise in cancer and Motor Neurone Disease.
Q: Once I am admitted, can I be discharged?
A: Yes, around one in three of our patients are discharged. If conditions at home are suitable and your carer can cope, we will help you to go home and stay at home if that is what is best for you. We provide physiotherapy and occupational therapy to make sure you are ready and able to return home, and we are able to support our patients out in the community with our Clinical Nurse Specialists who do home visits.
Q: What is the difference between the Hospice’s Community Nurse
Specialists and a Macmillan nurse?
A: There is not much difference – they are highly trained nurses specialising in palliative care. Macmillan does not fund our hospice community nurses so the Hospice covers the cost of providing this care.
Q: Do I have to pay for Hospice care?
A: No, it is free and we will look after you and your loved ones for as long as you need us - at referral, while you are with us and after bereavement. However, the Hospice is a charity and we need to fundraise over £10,000 a day to run. The Hospice relies on public donations for 84p of every £1 we spend, so if you can make a donation to help cover the cost of caring, we would really appreciate it. You will find donation envelopes at the Hospice or you can donate online on this site.