These support days are based in the Day Hospice, a purpose-built facility attached to Wigan and Leigh Hospice which believes in offering a safe, caring environment within which specialist palliative care enhances our patients’ and informal carers’ well-being.

The complementary therapies on offer include aromatherapy, massage, hypnotherapy, reflexology, relaxation, therapeutic touch, Reiki, acupuncture, group and family work, counselling. We aim to
add to the range and numbers of complementary therapies as resources allow.

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.

Are the Support Days suitable for you or your informal carers?

If your General Practitioner, District Nurse or a member of the Hospice team refer you to the Support Days, you will be invited for an initial visit to assess your needs. Our nursing and medical staff will carry out a joint assessment. You will be offered the opportunity to discuss any problems you may have and to decide which therapy/therapies might be of most benefit to you. You will then normally be offered a six week course of attendance, at the end of which your specialist palliative care needs will reassessed in consultation with yourself. The Support Days provide complementary therapies only. Conventional nursing treatments will not normally be available.

However, this does not preclude those who require nursing assistance from attending.

How Much Will it Cost?

There is no charge for the Support Days, nor for the therapies and beverages.

The staff of the Hospice will be pleased to answer any other queries or issues you wish to raise.

What are the Support Days?

They are for those who:
• do not want the social aspect of conventional Day Hospice

• wish to regain some control over their lives and the effects of illness

• are able to provide their own transport.

They offer an informal, relaxed atmosphere within which patients and their informal carers can:
• drop in at any time

• discuss any problems or issues with the Hospice staff

• participate in group activities

• request speakers on topics of interest to them

• meet others with similar problems over a cup of tea or coffee

• learn how complementary therapies can enhance coping strategies.