We’re delighted to share that we now have our outpatient clinics running, giving those living with a terminal illness in our community a new way to receive the care and support they need.
Until now, most patients referred to our hospice were visited at home by a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Home visits remain an important part of our care, but we know many people referred to us are still independent and busy with everyday life. For them, waiting in for a nurse is not always convenient.
“Our outpatient clinic is about opening up the doors to palliative care,” says Natalie Moseley, Head of Community Services. “People can feel worried about the word hospice, but coming to see us in a clinic feels much more like a normal appointment.”
The nurse-led clinics are run by our Advanced Nurse Practitioners and give patients more choice and flexibility. The clinics run at the hospice and at Eltham Community Hospital, which has already helped patients feel more comfortable about attending.
The clinics also link closely with other hospice services. For example, a patient attending a rehabilitation session with our physiotherapists can also see a nurse about pain management on the same day. This joined-up approach means people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Getting support early makes a real difference. It helps people manage symptoms, plan ahead and talk through worries and fears. “It is not about being under us forever,” Natalie explains. “We can offer short periods of care, where someone gets the support they need and is then discharged until they want our help again. It gives people more control.”
For anyone unsure about attending, Natalie has a message: “We’re approachable and here to listen. If you’re not sure, just give us a call – even a chat over the phone can help. And if you’re not ready, that’s okay too. You can always reach out to us at any time that feels right for you.”
By reopening our outpatient clinics, we are giving more people the chance to benefit from hospice care earlier, helping them live as well as they can for as long as they can.
We’re deeply grateful to The Balcombe Charitable Trust for their generous grant, which has helped make the development and expansion of this new and valuable service possible. Their support means more people in our community can access the compassionate care they need, when they need it most.
Natalie Moseley, Head of Community Services
