This is just the beginning of Our New Chapter

Three months into our pioneering service the headline is clear: it’s needed and it works. That said, we have learned plenty already and what we have delivered so far is only the start of our plans. Let us tell you more about what is next. We will:

Find more ways to identify potential patients

Our partnership with the local hospital is working brilliantly and we have welcomed patients to the Hospice services from A&E and wards within the hospital. This year we will be present at more meetings attended by clinicians working in a range of other services across our community, so that we can be in their minds for their patients too. We are also exploring how we can transfer suitable patients from the ‘emergency stack’ - people waiting for urgent care.

Open our ambulatory care service

We will offer a range of treatments at the Hospice, including those that sometimes would lead to an admission at hospital but could be a ‘day’ admission elsewhere. The idea is that it may prevent admissions in the first place, or help with the transition from hospital to our Inpatient Unit, knowing those treatments are available with us instead.

Expand our Compassionate Neighbours and Wellbeing Hubs

Our hugely popular hubs are a great way of identifying patients and supporting them to stay well, for example, we know anecdotally that people who attend our hubs feel they see their GP less. As well as opening more hubs so attendees can reap the benefits from the social and physical activities, we will make sure there’s smooth access to the Hospice for those who need our services.

Community members partaking in seated exercise at our Letchworth Wellbeing Hub