Day Therapy

The aim of Day Therapy is to improve the quality of life for patients with a cancer diagnosis or other life limiting illness and their families or carers through symptom control, support, rehabilitation and the promotion of independence.

The staff team working within day therapy consists of the following members: -
Day Therapy Leader
Two staff nurses
Three complementary nurse therapists
An auxiliary nurse
Two Physiotherapists
Hospice Chaplain
Trained Volunteers
Day therapy takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week. The staff team work closely with other departments within the hospice and also the community nurses and the hospital.

Day therapy addresses the complex needs of the individuals including physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and rehabilitation needs.

The services now being provided within day therapy are: -

Complementary therapy including massage, aromatherapy and reflexology
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy including management of breathlessness and lymphoedema
Creative Therapy
One to One consultations with trained staff
Nursing tasks such as dressings
Monitoring of symptoms
Consultation with the Medical Director
Assistance with personal care including shower or bath

Monday is a day for patients who have been newly diagnosed with cancer.
This “Early Diagnosed day” offers patients:

• 
  An ten week programme giving patients the opportunity to mix with others in a similar position
  Time out to be pampered
  Qualified staff to answer questions
  Support through treatment programmes

Referrals
Referrals will be accepted from any health professional, patient, relative or carer. Referrals can be made directly by contacting Hospice Day Therapy, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. When referrals are received from patients, their carers or relatives, contact will always be made (with the patients consent) with the patients General Practitioner and any other relevant Health Care Professionals to obtain clinical information.

Following the referral day therapy staff will contact the patient directly or liase with the professional involved, to discuss arrangements for assessment and the first visit.

For further information please contact:
Gina Porter, Day Therapy Leader. Tel:  01282 440110