The Day Hospice is a purpose-built facility attached to Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Up to fifteen patients attend on each day it is open. Day hospice starts at 10 am and ends at approximately 3 pm.

The Philosophy of the Day Hospice is to endeavour to help our patients and their carers to live life to the full. We believe in offering a safe, caring, accepting environment in which specialist palliative care encourages and enhances our patients’ well-being.

Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation

The Hospice does not have the facilities nor resources necessary to undertake advanced
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. However, in emergencies, all other appropriate measures will
be taken.

Is Day Hospice suitable for me?

If your General Practitioner, District Nurse or member of the Hospice team refers you for Day Hospice, you and your carer will be invited to attend for an informal visit. This will involve a medical and nursing assessment and possibly assessment by others e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist, complementary therapist. You will meet with others with similar problems and sample what Day Hospice has to offer.

If the Hospice team judge that Day Hospice may be suitable for you, they will negotiate with you which day you attend and for what initial period of time, normally six weeks. Throughout this period your specialist palliative care needs will be monitored and reviewed regularly in consultation with yourself and at the end of that time a decision will be made about your future specialist palliative care needs, including continued attendance at Day Hospice.

Transport

Ideally, you should provide your own transport to and from Day Hospice. However, if this is difficult
for you we will provide transport using our volunteer drivers. If for any reason you are unable to attend, please inform us as soon as possible so that transport arrangements can be cancelled.

Medication

On your first visit please bring all medication and any other non-prescription preparations you may
be taking. On future visits bring any medication you may need during the day and details of any changes in medication. Whilst attending Day Hospice you are still under the care of your General Practitioner. Should our hospice doctors feel that changes in medication are needed they will contact your General Practitioner who will continue to prescribe all your prescriptions.

How much will it cost?

There is no charge for Day Hospice attendance, for volunteer transport, nor for meals or beverages. Lunch is served at 12.15 pm. If you have any special dietary requirements our catering staff will be happy to help.

The Day Hospice staff will gladly try to answer any other questions and concerns you may have.

What is available?

• the chance to meet other people with similar problems in a safe, friendly environment

• the opportunity to discuss your worries or symptoms with specialist nurses, doctors, and other   specialist clinical practitioners who liase with your General Practitioner to achieve control of any   troublesome symptoms associated with your illness

• diversional activities such as crafts, quizzes, concerts, for those who want to participate but there   is no obligation to join in if you do not wish to do so

• nursing care according to your assessed needs

• hairdressing and beauty therapy

• a range of complementary therapies

• counselling, group work

• non-denominational communion twice a week

• a quiet room for those who may need a rest during the day

• a smokers’ room.