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.
• Four staff nurses.
• Five complementary therapists.
• An activities care co-ordinator.
• One physiotherapist and physiotherapy assistant.
• Spiritual Care co-ordinator.
• Trained Volunteers.

Day Therapy takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 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 touch therapies, visualisation, The 'M' technique, massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.
• Rehabilitation.
• Physiotherapy including management of breathlessness and lymphoedema.
• Creative therapy.
• One to one consultations with specialist nurses.
• Nursing tasks such as dressings.
• Monitoring of symptoms.
• Consultation with one of the medical team.

Monday is a day for patients who have been newly diagnosed with cancer.

This “Early Diagnosed day” offers patients:

A 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.

• Complementary therapies.
• Psychological support.

On Wednesday the Stepping Stones group meets, this is a group which offers a phased introduction to the Hospice and runs along side our drop in service, it also incorporates a moving on facility for patients who are ready for discharge.

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 8am - 6pm. 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.

To download a Referrals form click here Referralform2.pdf