FAQ
Please see the information for patients and carers section if you or a member of your family is to be admitted to Severn Hospice, as this will answer a lot of the questions you may have.
- General Questions about the Hospice
- Fundraising and Volunteering
- Day Hospice
- In-patients
- Social Work and Counselling
General Questions about the Hospice
Q Are patients only referred if they are dying?
A No. Our aim is to sustain the quality of our patients’ life and to provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms. Around 40% of people who stay in our Hospices as in-patients are discharged back home. Some will later be readmitted for end of life care. We also provide support to patients in their own home and at our Day Hospices.
Q Does the Hospice charge for its services?
A No. All Hospice services are free of charge. We rely upon the generous support of the public for two thirds of our income and receive the remainder of our funding from the local NHS. We are an independent organisation and a registered charity.
Q Is the Hospice part of the NHS?
A No. The Hospice is an independent organisation and a registered charity. We do work closely with the NHS and with other care providers.
Q What services do you offer?
A Please click here to visit our homepage for more information.
Q Do you only take referrals from patients with cancer?
A Most patients referred are in the advanced stages of cancer, but Severn Hospice also takes referrals of non-cancer patients with conditions such as end-stage respiratory, renal and cardiac failure, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease.
Q How are patients referred?
A A patient is referred to Severn Hospice via their GP or Hospital Consultant.
Q Does Severn Hospice have children as patients?
A It is very rare for us to be asked to provide care for children. However in exceptional cases we do provide end of life care for young adults in their late teens. In the financial year ending March 2008 four people under the age of 19 were referred to us out of a total of 1386 people referred in that year.
Q Can patients access the Hospice if they live outside of the area?
A The majority of our patients live within our catchment area but occasionally patients are referred from outside the area. Each case is reviewed individually. If the request has been made to enable a patient to be near to their only relatives or friends, it will be considered sympathetically.
Q Is Severn Hospice a religious foundation?
A No, we are a non-religious charity. Spiritual care is an important part of the care that we can provide. Our concern is to respect the wishes of the patient and their families of any or no faith. Our Chaplaincy Team is available to give support to all patients and their families if they so wish.
Q What is Hospice care?
A We care for people who are living with complex and progressive illness. Our aim is to sustain the quality of their life and to provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms. Our aim is not to shorten nor to extend the length of our patients’ life. Because incurable illnesses affect whole families, we offer the same loving support, help and counselling to their families, friends and carers.
Q Where is the Hospice and how do I get there?
A Please click on this link for location maps and directions to our Hospices in Newtown, Shrewsbury and Telford.
Q Is there a play area outside for the children?
A We have a children’s play area at the Shrewsbury site. We are currently drawing up plans for a similar area at the Telford site but in the meantime the gardens at Telford are securely fenced and there is a large lawned area where children are welcome to play. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
Q Is there a coffee shop or shop where supplies can be bought from at the Hospice?
A We have small sales areas in our Hospices in Shrewsbury and Telford where cards and a small range of other items can be bought. We do not have a coffee shop but there are tea and coffee making facilities available on each ward for relatives to use.
Q Can relatives have a meal at the Hospice?
A Yes. Orders can be taken from a set menu on the wards and a small charge is made for this. Relatives staying overnight at the Hospice can order a hot meal. Again, a small charge is made for this.
Q Why am I having difficulty finding you in the phone book?
A Severn Hospice is listed in the phone book under Hospice. Our contact numbers are 01743 236 565 (Shrewsbury) 01952 221 350 (Telford) and 01686 617 204 (Newtown, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only)
Q What has happened to Shropshire and Mid Wales Hospice?
A Nothing – Shropshire and Mid Wales Hospice changed its name to Severn Hospice in July 2004. It is the same organisation.
Q Do you cater to special diets?
A Food is freshly prepared in our on-site kitchens. We can cater for any dietary requirements. If you have any particular preferences or requirements for your food, please just let us know.
Q Can I have help at home?
A Our specialist outreach nurses can provide advice and support in your own home. Our Occupational Therapists may be able to help you with changes to enable you to remain in your own home. We have a Hospice at Home service that can provide hands on care for people at the end of their life. If you would like to make use of these services, please talk to your Hospice nurse.
Fundraising and Volunteering
Q How do I make a donation to Severn Hospice?
A You can make a donation by clicking here, by contacting the Appeals Department on 01743 354450, by calling in to the Shrewsbury or Telford Hospice during office opening hours or by posting a cheque to Severn Hospice, Appeals Department, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HS. If you are a UK Tax Payer please visit our page about Gift Aid.
Q Who do I make cheques payable to?
A Donations should be made payable to Severn Hospice.
Payments to the Lottery should be made payable to Severn Hospice Promotions Ltd.
Q Can I bring a donation in to the Hospice?
A Yes. You can take a financial donation into any of our shops or to our Hospices in Shrewsbury and Telford. If you are a taxpayer you can help us claim extra money from the government via the Gift Aid scheme.
Q How much does it cost to run Severn Hospice and all its services for a year?
A It currently costs approximately £5million a year to run the full range of Hospice services, or £15,000 a day. Two thirds of this income comes from fundraising activities and the support of the local community.
Q I have a donation for your shops, will you come and get it?
A In certain circumstances we may be able to collect goods from you. Please contact us on 01743 272 082 to discuss this. Alternatively, you can leave donations at any of our shops during opening hours, or at our Hospice in Shrewsbury. Click here for more details.
Q Where is my nearest shop?
A Please visit our shop location page.
Q How do I become a volunteer at the Hospice?
A Please see the volunteers section of this website.
Day Hospice
Q Can I come to the Day Hospice every week?
A We will discuss your needs and what the Day Hospice can offer with you when you are referred to us, and again every three months. Many of our patients attend on a weekly basis while others come fortnightly.
Q Do I have to pay to come to the Day Hospice?
A No. All of our services are free.
Q Can my relative / carer come to the Day Hospice with me?
A Relatives and carers do not normally come to the Day Hospice. However we will take your needs and wishes into account so we can discuss this with you when you are referred to us.
Q Will I see a doctor at the Day Hospice?
A You will normally see a doctor on one of your first visits to the Day Hospice and then at regular intervals based on your particular needs.
Q What will happen when I arrive at the Day Hospice?
A When you arrive you will be welcomed at the door. On your first visit to the Day Hospice, one of our nurses will sit down with you to talk through your condition and fill in the paperwork we need to provide your care properly. You might not see a doctor on your first visit to the Hospice (this will depend on the specifics of your condition) but you will see a doctor within your first three visits. More information about what happens at the Day Hospice is available here.
Q Do I have to take part in activities at the Day Hospice?
A No. There is always a choice about what you do at the Day Hospice. We will talk to you and try to organise activities that you would like to take part in.
Q Do I have to pay for my lunch?
A No. We will provide you with your lunch and any other refreshments you would like.
Q What do I have to bring with me?
A Please bring any medication that you need to use during the day and any particular equipment that you will need. We have wheelchairs and other medical supplies available but understand that you may prefer to use things that you are more familiar with.
Q Can I have a bath?
A Yes. We have a special Jacuzzi bath and our nurses will ensure that you can bathe safely and in comfort. We have hoists to lift you in and out of the bath safely.
Q Do I need to bring any money?
A You will not need to pay for any of our services are free. There is a small table of crafts for sale and we often have a raffle so you might choose to bring a small amount of cash, but this is your choice.
Q Can I look around the in-patient unit?
A Yes. Just ask us and a nurse will show you around.
Q What times is the Day Hospice open?
A Our Day Hospice sessions start around 09:30 and finish around 15:30.
The Day Hospice in Newtown is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
The Day Hospice in Shrewsbury is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
The Day Hospice in Telford is open on Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Q Do I need to bring my wheelchair?
A You will be welcome to use one of our wheelchairs, but if you would be more comfortable in your own then do please bring it.
Q Can I get a prescription from the doctor in the Day Hospice?
A No. Your GP will remain your primary carer when you attend the Day Hospice.
Q Should I bring my medication?
A Yes if you need to take anything during the day.
Q Can I have complementary therapy while at the Day Hospice?
A Yes, it is always available. When you attend the Day Hospice you will be able to discuss your personal needs with a complementary therapist who will then offer appropriate treatments.
Q Can I learn new skills?
A Yes, many of our patients have learned to use computers, or have taken up crafts such as painting and knitting.
Q Can I continue with my hobby at the Day Hospice?
A Yes, many people do and we may even be able to help you with it.
Q Can I smoke at the Day Hospice?
A There is a designated outside smoking area at the Hospice. The latest legislation means that you will not be able to smoke within the building.
In-patients
Q What do I need to bring with me?
A We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your stay with us. Please bring with you any books, magazines, CDs and photographs that you would like to have in your room. We do have a small library of tapes, CDs and books that you will be welcome to use. Do bring any drinks that you enjoy. You can use your own mobile phone to make and receive calls anywhere in the Hospice (though please switch it to vibrate), or you can use a portable Hospice payphone to making calls. If you are not bringing your own mobile phone you might find it helpful to bring a small amount of change (up to £5).
We recommend that you bring some day and night wear and a pair of slippers. We also suggest you bring two flannels from home. Please bring all of the medication you are currently taking, any appliances you need (such as colostomy bags) and toiletries.
Q What are the visiting hours?
A You are able to receive visitors at any times, although you can choose to put restrictions on the number of visitors you receive or the times at which they can see you.
Q Can my pet come to visit me?
A Yes, as often as you like, but it can’t stay overnight. Please discuss your pet with us before its first visit so that we can make sure that animals which may clash are kept apart.
Q Should I bring my medication?
A Yes. It may be changed while you are at the Hospice, but our doctors need to know what you are currently taking.
Q Can I smoke?
A We do have a designated smoking room on the ward which you will be able to use. However, under current legislation your visitors will have to smoke outside in one of our designated smoking areas.
Q Can the doctor prescribe medicine for me?
A Yes, our doctors can prescribe to in-patients and will often review your medication when you first arrive and throughout your stay.
Q Should I bring my catheter?
A Please feel free to bring items that are familiar to you such as your colostomy bag or catheter. We do have such equipment available but understand that you may prefer to use the make that you are used to.
Q Can my kids visit?
A Yes, children are very welcome and there are toys available for them to play with. We have an outside play area at our Shrewsbury site and are currently planning a similar area for our Telford site. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
Q Can my relatives stay overnight in the Hospice?
A Yes. We sometimes have a family room available. We can also put a recliner chair or put-up bed in your room if you would like your family close by.
Social Work and Counselling
Q What benefits am I entitled to?
A You should speak to your local council and benefits office to find out what you are entitled to, but we can help you with paperwork and speak to authorities on your behalf if you are struggling.
Q My children are distressed by my partner’s illness – can you help?
A Hospice support is not just for our patient, but for the whole family. If you or any of your family are struggling, ask to speak to our social work team. Click here for more information on the help we can offer.
Q My partner died in the Hospice six months ago. I didn’t need anything then but am struggling now. Can you help?
A Yes, please get in touch with our social work team. Information on the support we can offer you is here.
Q My partner died of cancer but was never a Hospice patient. I am finding life difficult – can you help?
A Please contact our Social Work Team, who will be able to direct you to organisations that may be able to help.
Q Do you offer counselling?
A Yes, we offer free counselling to Hospice patients and their relatives. Click here for more details on the support that is available.
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