CARE AT THE WISDOM HOSPICE
The care provided by the Wisdom Hospice is concerned with the whole person, and offers support, counselling and advice to family members as part of its philosophy of care.

HOSPITAL PALLIATIVE CARE TEAM
The aim of the Hospital Palliative Care Team is to work alongside hospital staff in the Medway Trust, the Medway Primary Care Trust, Swale Primary Care Trust and the Kent Cancer Centre* in caring for people in the advanced stages of illness and their families and friends.

The service provided recognises and responds to any physical, emotional and social needs that the patient and family may have.

The majority of referrals received from hospital staff are for patients with a diagnosis of advanced cancer. The hospital palliative care team is also involved in the assessment of patients with other terminal illnesses if appropriate.

The team is based at the Medway Maritime Hospital, and is managed by the Wisdom Hospice.

*(For people living in the Medway and Swale Area).

THE DOMICILIARY TEAM
The Domiciliary Team (Macmillan Team) consists of six specialist Nurses and Team Manager with the support of the Consultants and the Doctors of the Wisdom Hospice, Social Workers, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Secretary. The team is able to support and visit patients and their families in their own homes. Advice and help is available 24 hours a day. The Team also works in close collaboration with General Practitioners and Community Nurses.

THE DAY HOSPICE
The Day Hospice offers day hospice care on weekdays from 10am to 3pm (except Tuesdays) for patients coming from home or from the Hospice itself. Medical and nursing advice, complementary therapies, hairdressing and an opportunity to take part in therapeutic and creative activities is available. Occupational therapy, physiotherapy and advice from a social worker is also available on request.

Young person's day is available each Tuesday from 10.15am to 2.30pm. It is an opportunity for young people to meet with other young people and take part in a variety of stimulating and creative activities aimed at developing new skills, and encouraging confidence. Themes include understanding illness and treatment, and how you are feeling about yourself. Social activities help to give new interests and hobbies. There are also opportunities for family events. A planned programme of information giving, therapeutic and social activities is offered for Hospice patients living at home, and for Hospice in-patients. Referral is by Hospice professionals and is for patients aged up to 55 years old.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Volunteer bereavement counsellors, with the support of Consultants, Clinical Psychologist and the Bereavement Services Manager are able to visit and support bereaved families after the death of a patient. On the first Monday of the month there is also an open evening for invited bereaved families.