St Luke's Hospice Presentation Notes

Introduction

• Choices of quality vs. quantity in life.
• Importance of enjoying life while facing terminal illness.
• St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield: 45 years of service for terminally ill patients.

Daily Operations at St Luke's

• Meetings of staff (nurses, doctors, consultants) to discuss patient care.
• Community team collaborates with GPs and hospitals to prioritize patients.
• Rapid response team visits patients at home, offering support.
  • Example: Connor, a palliative care nurse, emphasizes the importance of supporting patients during difficult times.

Patient Experience: Jean Knight's Story

• Jean is terminally ill with cancer but chooses to remain positive and at home.
• Quote: "If you've got quality of life, you've got everything you need."
• Hospice supports both patients and caregivers; Richard, Jean's husband, shares the support received from St Luke's.
  • Importance of positivity in caregiving.

Inpatient Care at St Luke's

• Misconception: Patients come to die; actually, 35% are discharged home.
• Facilities include a spa room for relaxation.
• Discussion on societal fears around death and the need for public health messages.

Support for Families

• Clive Smith's experience emphasized family support; his daughter joined the staff.
• Bereavement support groups available for families like Lauren's.
  • Expressing feelings through art and conversation.

Day Centre Services

• Day centre provides therapy, advice, and companionship for terminally ill patients.
• Example: Pamela Walker, living longer than expected, focuses on enjoying life.

Culinary Care at St Luke's

• Importance of food as a pleasure for patients.
• Chef Nick Wilkes creates meals tailored to patient needs.
  • Focus on soft foods that are still pleasurable to eat.

Patient Perspectives on End of Life

• Patients like Julie Drakeley express preference for hospice over traditional hospital care.
• Emphasis on personalized care at St Luke's.

Challenges Facing Hospices

• St Luke's serves more than 200,000 people but only 40% of those who could benefit.
• Funding issues: 25% from NHS; needs to raise £6 million annually through donations.
  • Cuts and freezes in funding impact services.

Conclusion

• Importance of hospice care in providing dignity and support at the end of life.
• Jean Knight's family found comfort in her passing at home, showcasing the hospice's impact.
• Call for better funding and recognition of hospice care as essential in the healthcare system.