Referrals
Making a referral
Any health or social care professional (with the patient's consent) may refer, however patients may contact the Hospice directly but will be advised to contact their GP/health care professional involved in their care to submit a referral form. An assessment will be completed as to suitability for day hospice. Regular reviews will take place and a discharge date may be agreed.
Referral forms - the same form is used to access our palliative care services but there is a need to tick the appropriate box to indicate which service is required. As much information as possible and a fully completed referral form is appreciated at the time of referral.
A separate referral form is necessary for access to non malignant respite care.
Specialist Palliative Care Referral form
Specialist Palliative Care Referral form (MS Word 288KB)
Non-Malignant Respite Care Referral form
Non-Malignant Respite Care Referral form (MS Word 293KB)
Joseph Weld Hospice provides specialist palliative care and expertise to augment and support the care already provided by primary health care teams, the specialist home care nurses, and the community and general hospitals.
Reasons for referral can include:
- symptom assessment and management
- complex psychological or social problems
- terminal care
- respite care
Inpatient symptom control or terminal care
GPs or consultants should contact the Palliative Care Consultants by telephone to discuss admission and follow this up with a fax or letter. Specialist palliative care nurses, following consultation with the patient's GP, can contact the Palliative Care Consultants directly to discuss admission. Patients may be referred from the hospital to the hospice in the same way. Receipt of the referral will be acknowledged with the patient within two working days. Inpatient admissions will be prioritised according to the degree of urgency:
- Category A: Urgent, admission within 24 hours of referral
- Category B: Routine, admission within 5 working days of referral
Respite care
A specific referral form should be completed by the patient's GP or consultant, and sent to the Palliative Care Consultants. The referral form could be completed by the District Nurse or specialist home care nurse, or Social Services, in liaison with the patient's GP.
Receipt of the referral form will be followed up by a visit to the patient and carer by a nurse or other professional from Joseph Weld Hospice to ascertain further their needs and so facilitate subsequent admission.
Day hospice
Day hospice aims to improve the quality of life for patients, families and carers by providing palliative nursing and medical support. It offers activities and services determined by each individual patient's needs, capabilities, interests and hobbies.
Referral of patients to day hospice, reasons may include:
- monitoring of symptoms and provision of psychological and social support
- creative and therapeutic activities
- social interactions, mutual support and friendship
- respite for Carers
