|
Hospice
in the Weald was established in 1980 as
a home care service. In 1998 a purpose built
hospice was opened at Pembury. In addition to
its 17 bedded In-Patient unit, it provides a
Day Therapy Centre offering a whole range of
treatments and complementary therapies. The
Hospice also provides excellent community nursing
with 24-hour telephone support. The specialist
palliative care nursing and medical services
are backed up with family support and bereavement
counsellors and health information services
run from Sevenoaks Hospital and the Hospice
at Pembury. The Hospice serves an area of 400
square miles in West Kent and East Sussex with
approximately 280,000 population.
People
who are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses
such as cancer often experience pain and other
distressing symptoms. Their families' response
may be one of fear, anxiety and confusion. The
Hospice team, working closely with Hospitals,
G.P.s and District Nurses offer a range of services
focused on relieving the symptoms, comforting
the patients and family and ensuring continuity
of care and support.
|
