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Information for Patients INTRODUCTION Severn Hospice opened in July 1989. Severn Hospice offers specialised care to those suffering from serious illness. It is a purpose built unit in a pleasant rural setting three miles outside Shrewsbury . We try to maintain a family atmosphere here in which we hope your stay will be as comfortable as possible. The Hospice was built following an appeal by the late Sheila Laws, RGN, our founder Chairman. The local population of Shropshire and Mid Wales and other generous groups raised the money. It continues to be funded mainly by voluntary donations with some financial support from the Primary Care Trusts. The care is given free of charge,
but not without cost. We
are, therefore, very grateful for all contributions received. Main Switchboard 01743 236565 Perry Ward 01743 261502 Breidden Ward 01743 261503 Telford Hospice 01952 221350 Hafan Day Hospice ( Newtown ) 01686 617204 Appeals Department (Shrewsbury) 01743 354450
Many different people help to make up the team that will care for you during your stay. There is a full-time Medical Director, his full-time Assistant and other Doctors who provide 24 hour cover. The Nursing Director leads the nursing team, which is made up of registered nurses and nursing assistants. Their uniforms may identify the members of the team: - Ward Manager Navy Blue Senior Staff Nurses Navy and White Stripe Staff Nurses Royal Blue Nursing Assistants Pale Blue Physiotherapists Blue polo shirts and navy trousers Occupational Therapists Green polo shirts and green trousers Catering staff White Stewards Dark trousers and blue polo shirts Domestics Purple tunics Nurse Volunteers Green candy striped tunics Complementary Therapists Purple tunics
The Chief Executive, who looks after the Hospice finances and administration, leads a team of Caterers, Stewards and Domestic staff. The Volunteer Co-ordinator leads a team of over three hundred volunteers who help in all areas of the Hospice. They are recognised by their tabards and badges. There are two wards, Breidden and Perry ward. A Primary Nurse will be responsible for your care whilst you are in the Hospice. She/he will be an experienced nurse with special training. You may also meet our Ward Clerks, who look after all the clerical work for the nursing team. The nursing staff will encourage you to participate in making decisions about the care that you receive. Others may be involved in your care e.g. Social Workers, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. Our full-time Chaplain and his Assistant Chaplain lead a small team of visiting ministers. There is always someone from the Chaplaincy team to talk to – please ask the ward staff if you would specifically like to talk to one of them. Services are held in the Chapel most Sundays and Holy Communion can be brought to you on the ward. Tapes and literature are also available – please let the Chaplain know if you are interested. The Chapel is available for contemplation at any time. Your own minister or spiritual advisor/guide will also be very welcome to visit you.
If possible, please bring the following with you when you are admitted to the Hospice:
The Hospice is unable to accept responsibility for any valuables which are not handed over for safe keeping.
Should you have any particular dietary requirements e.g diabetic, salt free, vegetarian, kosher etc. please let us know.
Please ask your relatives to take your personal clothes home to launder. If there are problems, please inform your Primary Nurse.
Our care extends to your family and friends. Visiting is open but if you wish for visitors to be limited please let us know. If visiting after 9pm please let the ward staff know to ensure security. Car parking for you and your visitors is at the front of the Hospice. There are some additional spaces at the rear of the building should the front car park be full. The Hospice is unable to accept responsibility for vehicles and contents using the parking facilities. Bus timetables are available at reception and we have a list of taxi firms. An overnight stay room is available for families and partners – please speak to the nurses if this would be helpful for you. Light refreshments can be ordered on a special menu. Full catering is available for those staying overnight. A charge is made for this. Visitors are welcome to help themselves to tea and coffee in the ward kitchen for which a donation is welcome in the tin provided! However, it would be really helpful if this was avoided at patient’s mealtimes, i.e. 8.30 am, 12noon and 5pm . Thank you.
Your family and friends may wish to contact the staff to enquire about you. It is helpful if one member if the family is elected to make enquiries on behalf of everyone else e.g. your next of kin. On admission to the ward you will receive a card with a direct line number in which these enquiries can be made.
Children are welcome visitors to the Hospice. There are areas where they can play and we like seeing them around. There is a small oudoor area where they can play in fine weather, but we ask that they are supervised by an adult on the equipment provided.
The gardens around the Hospice are for your pleasure and you are welcome to stroll around them whenever you wish. The Mary Margaret Garden situated between the two wards is a particularly secluded and quiet place. Please feel free to go and enjoy it.
You may miss a special pet from home – they are particularly welcome providing they are kept under control. Have a word with the nurse in charge beforehand – this would be most helpful.
On each ward there is a portable telephone available for you to receive and make calls on. For this you will need some small change. Mobile telephones should only be used outside the building as they can interfere with some of our specialised medical equipment.
There are regular opportunities to borrow books and tapes from our mobile libraries. Voluntary staff will help you choose a book, tape or CD. Also, they will show you how to work the CD and tape players. There is no charge for this service.
FIRE ALARMS Every Tuesday between 1 and 2pm the fire alarms are tested. This is an essential safety measure and we hope it will not unduly disturb you.
SECURITY All external doors are fitted with an alarm system. You may hear this ringing or buzzing especially in the evenings as the alarm is being set.
There are occasional visits from a Hairdresser and Chiropodist. They make a charge for their services. If you would like them to visit you, please ask one of the nurses. NB. The Hospice does not accept liability for any of these services. There are no other charges for any of the Hospice’s facilities.
LIAISON The Hospice liaises closely with those who are caring for you in your own home or hospital e.g. your family Doctor, District Nurse, Macmillan Nurse, Hospital Consultant, Clergy and many others. They will be made welcome if they wish to visit during your stay.
Being a Hospice, not a Hospital, Severn Hospice does not have the facilities to offer resuscitation to patients in the event of sudden collapse. If you or your family are uncomfortable with this please feel free to discuss it with a member of the medical or nursing team.
The Hospice does have facilities for relatives of very poorly patients to stay overnight at the Hospice. We have a dedicated relative’s room with en-suite facilities on each ward. Please ask the ward staff for further details.
There is a Day Hospice operating 3 days a week on site. Patients attend for day care usually 1 or 2 days a week. It provides an opportunity for you to have a break from home and receive care in a different environment. You may find: -
And a good lunch, conducive to your sense of well-being.
It is possible for you to attend the Day Hospice whilst you are resident in the Hospice and we encourage you to do so. If you enjoy it, regular attendances after your discharge home can be arranged. Please ask one of the Nurses or Doctors if you would like to visit the Day Hospice.
COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS If you have any worries or concerns, please feel free to talk about them the Ward Manager or nurse in charge of the ward. In the event of your complaint not being resolved we would ask you to put the details in writing to one of the four senior managers they are: The Chief Executive, Nursing Director, Medical Director or Appeals Director.
Severn Hospice: Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury , SY3 8HS 01743 236565 Appeals Department Direct Line 01743 354450 Perry ward Direct Line 01743 261502 Breidden ward Direct Line 01743 261503
You should receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your letter within five working days. The aim will be to complete investigations within thirty days and to send you a full written response. You will have the right to register a complaint with: -
Healthcare Commission Private and Voluntary Healthcare Directorate 1st Fllor, 1 Friarsgate, 1011 Stratford Rd Solihull B90 4AG Tel: 0121 713 8095
FINALLY It is our aim to provide you with the highest standards of care possible. Any suggestions as to how the Hospice could be improved would be most welcome, however small. The Nursing Director or Assistant Nursing Director will be happy to receive your ideas. |
