Caring for Patients

Kirkwood Hospice has a 16 bed in-patient unit, which between June 2012 & July 2013 will be located on Ward 11 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (see our In-Patient Unit page for more details).  Day care and drop-in services in the Support & Therapy Centre and emotional support and counselling in the Family Care Centre will continue on the Hospice site in Dalton during this time.

Its team of Clinical Nurse Specialists in the Community Palliative Care Team provide advice and support to patients in their own homes and Care Homes.  A 24 hour advice line is also available for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. 

 

How You Become a Patient

You need to be referred to us by a health professional. This would normally be your GP, hospital nurse or consultant, or other health professional working in the community who feels that the type and range of care we offer may be able to help you.

He or she would complete our referral form or telephone us. This is the procedure whether we are asked to care for you as an in-patient, as a day patient in our Support and Therapy Centre, or for a member of our specialist Community Palliative Care Team to visit you at home.  Whether or not we accept you as a patient depends on your particular case.

Occasionally, for referrals to our in-patient unit, after assessment you might have a short wait for a suitable bed, but if it becomes clear that you’re in urgent need, we’ll admit you as soon as we possibly can.

What Do You Think?

What is "What Do You Think?"

It is a meeting of patients and carers with some staff.  The group meets three times a year to discuss the services provided by Kirkwood and look at ways they could be improved.  The meetings are led by staff who are responsible for day-to-day care, so that patients and carers feel comfortable about speaking openly and honestly about the services they receive from the Hospice.

Care is not affected by taking part.  We need honest views, comments and constructive criticism about Kirkwood and the services we offer.

We also want to know what you think about our future plans for services.

If you would like to get involved contact Joanne Martin at the Hospice on 01484-557900 or at joannem@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

Confidentiality

The Hospice uses a team approach to your care.  We may sometimes need to share information you give us with our colleagues to ensure you are receiving the best service.  We will always check with you about what information we may or may not share with others. 

Kirkwood Hospice is a smoke free site.  Smoking is not allowed in any Hospice building, vehicle or in the grounds.  The only exception is for in-patients, who may smoke in the designated smoking room only.

For further information, please click below.
 

  • Kirkwood Hospice

    Kirkwood Hospice is a member of the Dying Matters Coalition

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