AUDIO
Dame Cicely’s intention was for patients and the people who support them to have the right care so that total pain, the concept she had described before 1967, could be addressed. This meant developing patient support from a team of professionals including social workers, welfare advisors and clinicians.
This included ensuring the right medication was available to those receiving support from the hospice, recognising and treating anxiety and depression, encouraging patients and families to talk and ask questions, and offering spiritual support to relieve fears and concerns around dying.
Now, with the same ethos still underpinning all that’s on offer, the range of support is vast and is available in people’s homes, care homes and sheltered housing, in outpatient settings and our wards. Expert and specialist paid staff, supported by our large team of trained volunteers provide an extensive range of services which includes:
Physiotherapy, with tailored classes and gym sessions available so people can gain the strength and fitness they need to meet their goals.
Complementary therapies, such as massage and acupuncture to help manage pain. Our welfare team are on hand to provide money advice to ease financial concerns.
Music and arts therapies, allowing people to explore their circumstances and emotions by being creative.
A bereavement service for adults and children and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people come to terms with their illness.
Spiritual care, including but not limited to, religious leaders being available talk to people about their hopes and worries.
Such services are not just available for those needing end of life care either; St Christopher’s supports families, friends, carers and bereaved people too through the work of our social work and welfare teams.
There is a child bereavement service, known as Candle, to help young people come to terms with the death of a family member.
The list goes on, but addressing the complex multitude of people’s needs holistically remains at the heart of the support on offer today, just as Dame Cicely envisaged.
In spite of my illness, I'm having a good time
Cherry, patient at St Christopher's, 2011
RESOURCES
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LISTEN
World Have Your Say: Return to St Christopher's Hospice