St Luke's Hospice: A Focus on Quality of Life

Introduction

• Discussion on the importance of quality over quantity in life.
• St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield has been providing care for terminally ill patients for 45 years.
• Emphasis on hospice as a place of support, not just a place to die.

Daily Operations at St Luke's

• Daily meetings among nurses, doctors, and consultants.
• Community team focuses on home care for around 1500 patients.
• Rapid response team and palliative care nurse Connor's role in providing support.

Patient Visit: Jean Knight

• Jean Knight's experience with terminal cancer.
• Importance of maintaining positivity and quality of life.
• Support available for primary caregivers like Richard, Jean's husband.

Inpatient Care

• Judith Park explains that patients often think hospice is only for dying, but around 35% are discharged home.
• Facilities include a spa room for relaxation.
• Addressing societal fears about death and the need for better public health messages.

Family Support

• Clive Smith's journey through hospice care and how it supported his family.
• Daughter Julie joins the hospice staff after positive experiences with care.
• Bereavement support groups for family members.

Day Centre and Activities

• Day centre offers physical and creative therapies for patients.
• Pamela Walker's story illustrates the value of enjoying life despite terminal illness.

Culinary Care

• St Luke's kitchen focuses on quality meals tailored for patients.
• Chef Nick Wilkes creates enjoyable dining experiences for patients who struggle with eating.

Importance of Environment

• Patients prefer the comforting atmosphere of St Luke's over traditional hospital settings.
• Chapel serves as a memorial for patients who have died.

Funding Challenges

• St Luke's relies on public donations for 75% of funding.
• Discussion on cuts to NHS funding and its impact on hospice care.
• Call for better funding to ensure hospice care can alleviate the burden on the NHS.

Conclusion

• Hospices provide essential care for patients and families facing terminal illness.
• They offer dignity and humanity in the dying process.
• Need for more reliable funding to support the unique services hospices provide.