People living with a life-limiting or progressive condition can access support from Nightingale House Hospice more quickly thanks to its self referral service.
The initiative allows patients to refer themselves directly to the hospice, reducing delays in accessing vital services and encouraging people to seek support much earlier in their diagnosis.
Nightingale House Hospice is raising awareness of its self-referral service to help more people living with life-limiting and progressive conditions access support earlier, so they can benefit from the hospice’s wide range of services for longer and live as well as possible.
For many people, the word ‘hospice’ is still associated solely with end-of-life care. However, Nightingale House provides much more than that, offering specialist support, rehabilitation, wellbeing services, emotional support and practical advice to patients and their families throughout their illness.
Andrew Denton, who has been attending Nightingale House Hospice following a diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour and a stroke, admits he was initially apprehensive about coming to the hospice.
Andrew said: “I thought hospice meant one thing, you came here to die. I was so wrong. They help you live.”
Andrew credits the hospice team with helping him regain confidence and improve his quality of life, saying: “The staff here are absolutely amazing. They push you forward, they help you, talk to you, make you progress and support me with my worries.
“It’s unbelievable how much the hospice has helped me. I feel very lucky to be here.”
He also wants to reassure others who may be hesitant about contacting a hospice for support.
Andrew said: “Don’t hesitate about coming to a hospice. Don’t miss your chance because they are absolutely fantastic. I used to worry about coming through the doors and now it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Andrew’s husband, Steven Benton, has also seen first-hand the positive impact hospice services can have on both patients and their loved ones.
Reflecting on their experience, Steven said: “It’s just a sunny, happy place that actually gives more life rather than end of life.”
His words capture the message Nightingale House hopes to share through their self referral process, that hospice care is about helping people live well, maintain independence and access the support they need at the earliest opportunity.
By removing the need for a healthcare professional referral in every case, the self-referral system empowers patients to seek support when they feel they need it, rather than waiting until their condition has significantly progressed.
Nightingale House believes earlier access to hospice services can help individuals and families better manage the emotional, physical and practical challenges that often come with a life-limiting diagnosis, while ensuring they receive the right support for longer.
Patients living with a life-limiting or progressive illness who feel they could benefit from hospice support are encouraged to complete the self referral form on the Nightingale House website and explore the services available.
