Frequently Asked Questions  

Please see the information for patients section if you or a member of your family is to be admitted to the Hospice, as this section will answer a lot of questions relevant to this.  

Q          Are patients only referred if they are dying?  

A           No.   Many of our patients are able to return home after a short stay in the Hospice during which time pain and other distressing symptoms can be assessed and brought under control.   These patients may then be re-admitted at a later date should the need arise.
            Also patients may be referred to attend the Day Hospices or the Clinic Day on a Wednesday.

Q          Does the Hospice charge for its services?

A           No – all Hospice services are free of charge. The Hospice does receive 36% funding from the local NHS which means it does rely upon voluntary contributions from members of the public and organisations for nearly two thirds of its running costs.   We are an independent organisation and a registered charity.

Q          Is the Hospice part of the NHS?  

A           No.   The Hospice is an independent organisation and a registered charity.  

Q          What services do you offer?

            Please refer to the homepage of this website for more information.

Q          Do you only take referrals from patients with cancer?

A           Most patients referred are in the advanced stages of cancer but Severn Hospice also takes referrals of non-cancer patients with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Motor Neurone Disease.

Q          How are patients referred?  

A           A patient is referred to Severn Hospice via their GP, Hospital Consultant, Hospital Clinical Nurse Specialists or Macmillan Nurse to Dr Jeremy Johnson, our Medical Director.

Q          Does Severn Hospice have children as patients?  

A           No - Severn Hospice is a Hospice for adults.   The nearest children’s hospice is Hope House in Oswestry.

Q          Can patients access the Hospice if they live outside of the area?  

A           Occasionally patients are referred from outside the catchment area for care.   Each case is reviewed individually.   If the care in the Hospice has been requested to enable a patient to be near to their only relatives or friends then the request may be considered sympathetically.

Q          Is Severn Hospice a religious foundation?

A           No – Severn Hospice has no specific religious affiliation but spiritual care is an important part of the overall holistic care provided.   Our concern is to respect this wishes of the patient and their families of whatever faith or none.   Our Chaplaincy Team is available to give support to all patients and their families if they so wish.

Q          What is Hospice care?

A           This question is best answered with our mission statement, which is: -

Severn Hospice aims to provide the best care and treatment to people diagnosed with incurable conditions  

Aims  

To provide the best care and treatment we aim to:

Care for patients and their families as individuals and strive to meet their unique needs.

• Provide appropriate choice to people in where they receive their treatment and care, whether this is in the home, as outpatients, in our day hospices or in our wards.

• Provide high quality and timely information about conditions, treatment and the range of services available.

• Provide high quality, evidence-based clinical services.

• Create care environments which are welcoming, attractive and homely.

• Provide care which neither hastens nor postpones death but which enables people to end their lives in peace and with dignity.

• Support families through bereavement following loss of a loved one.

• Nurture and support the skills, contribution and well being of our staff and volunteers as our most valuable resource.

• Provide all our services free of charge by raising sufficient income from charitable and non-charitable sources.

• Share knowledge and skills with other health care professionals at home and abroad.

 

Q          How do I become a volunteer at the Hospice?

A           Please see the volunteers section of this website or contact Jane Radford or Amanda Horner on 01743 236565.

Q          How much does it cost to run Severn Hospice and all its services for a year?

A           In 2007 Hospice services cost about £ 4.8 million to run.

Q          Where is the Hospice and how do I get there?

A           Please click on this link for location maps and transport details to all of Severn Hospice’s sites.

Q          What is the difference between the Medical Consultant and the other Doctors?

A          The Consultant is the senior specialist in palliative care medicine who leads a team of other doctors who are either employed by the Hospice or who are at the Hospice as part of their formal training.

Q          Is there a play area outside for the children?

A           There is no dedicated play area for children, but the Hospice does have extensive gardens that children can play in, however they must be supervised by a responsible adult.

Q          Is there a coffee shop or shop where supplies can be bought from at the Hospice?

A           There is not a shop where refreshments can be bought from.   However there are tea and coffee making facilities available on each ward for relatives to use.   Although there is no charge made for this facility a small donation in the tin provided would be appreciated.

Q          Can relatives have a meal at the Hospice?

A           Yes they can – Orders can be taken from a set menu on the wards, a small charge is made for this.   Only relatives staying overnight at the Hospice can order a hot meal, again a small charge is made for this.

Q          Why am I having difficult finding you in the phone book?

A           Severn Hospice is listed in the phone book under Hospice.

Q          Will the proposed route of the North West relief road affect the Hospice in any way?

A           We do not know as yet as the final proposals for NWRR are yet to be consulted upon.

Q          How do I make a donation to Severn Hospice?

A           Donations to Severn Hospice can be made by contacting the Appeals Department on 01743 354450 or sending them to Severn Hospice, Appeals Department, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HS.   If you are a UK Tax Payer please ask the Appeals Team about Gift Aid.  You can also donate online here .

Q          What has happened to Shropshire and Mid Wales Hospice?

A           Nothing – Shropshire and Mid Wales Hospice changed its name to Severn Hospice in July 2004.   It is the same organisation.

If there is a question that you would like answering but it is not featured here then please contact us at IT@severnhospice.org.uk and we will direct your query to the relevant department.