Community Care Team
Choices for Care
We want patients and their families, to know that there are choices about how, where and when they would like their care. We understand that not everyone wants or feels the need to come into the Hospice and they may prefer to be cared for in their own homes, in familiar surroundings. The Service provided by our Community Care Team (Clinical Nurse Specialists and Hospice at Home Team) maintains the same ethos of care delivered by Willen Hospice - the main aims being to:
- maintain dignity
- assist in controlling symptoms
- enable patients to make decisions about their care
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
The Clinical Nurse Specialists are skilled, experienced nurses who have knowledge in supporting individuals with life limiting illness.
The team consists of six nurses whose office is based at Willen Hospice.
People who are diagnosed with a life threatening illness often go through a physical and emotional rollercoaster whereupon they may require support from specialised, trained nurses. The team of Clinical Nurse Specialists based at Willen Hospice work in the community to offer support and advice to patients and their carers.
Clinical Nurse Specialists work closely with GPs, District Nurses and other Community Services to allow patients to remain in their own home during their illness. This helps patients to remain in control of their lives and maintain their independence.
(Image shows members of the Community Care Team:
L to R: Denise Robson, Graham Lewis, Marilyn David, Juliet Hopps, Ann Abrams, Liz Christodoulou)
Making a Difference
| “I was given such security in the knowledge that a phone call would bring someone to help and reassure me.” |
The CNS aims to:
- promote independence
- help maintain a sense of control
- listen and give advice to enable patients and families to cope with the effects of illness
- help to control symptoms
- refer to other community services and services offered by the hospice as appropriate
We are fortunate in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas to have a team that can make a difference.
Hospice at Home Service
The Hospice at Home team offers specialist nursing skills to patients in the community. The team of qualified nurses and health care assistants is based at Willen Hospice.
The District Nursing Team is responsible for day to day needs. The Hospice at Home Team works in partnership with that team and also other support services such as Home Care and Marie Curie.
The team provides "hands on" practical nursing care at home. They are able to assess and assist other health care professionals in controlling symptoms. In addition, some members of the team are able to offer massage.
The team consists of eleven highly trained nurses.
(image courtesy of Louise Pollard)
