St. Luke’s Hospice (Basildon & District) is highlighting its specialist Clinical Outpatients service as part of Hospice Care Week (5–11 October), showcasing the care and support available to people living with life-limiting and palliative illnesses.
The annual campaign, led by Hospice UK, shines a spotlight on the vital care hospices provide to people with palliative and life-limiting illnesses, as well as the support they offer loved ones.
Clinical Outpatients provides specialist treatments, clinical support and symptom management for people living with a range of life-limiting conditions. This includes treatments such as blood tests and transfusions, which might otherwise take place in a hospital setting.
But treatment is only part of the care it provides. The service also offers a safe, welcoming place to talk, manage changing symptoms and receive personalised support. Working closely with the Hospice’s other services, the team can also help patients get to know the Hospice and its staff, if and when they feel ready.
Throughout Hospice Care Week, St. Luke’s Hospice will share experiences from people who use the service alongside insights from the team who provide their care.
Georgia Dudden, a Registered Nurse in Clinical Outpatients, said: “We see such a wide range of people in Clinical Outpatients, and we make every effort to fit appointments around their lives. It might be a parent fitting treatment around the school run, or someone coming in during their work lunch break. We want people to be able to continue with their everyday lives as much as possible.
“Some treatments or tests may take five minutes, while others may take an hour or more. Whatever the length of the appointment, we have time to talk to people and really get to know them, which is one of the things I love about the service.
“Many of the patients we see would otherwise need to attend hospital for their treatment. Being able to provide appropriate care here gives patients another option, and for those who may be particularly vulnerable to infection, having treatment in a smaller, more contained environment can provide reassurance. Relatives can be with them, and our team is always nearby.
“At the heart of what we do is helping people continue to live their lives alongside their condition. We can’t promise what tomorrow will bring, but we can be there to support people, listen to them and help them make the most of each day.”
Melanie White, Director of Care and Quality at St. Luke’s Hospice, said:
“When people hear the word hospice, they may immediately think of end-of-life care, but there is so much more to the care we provide. Our Clinical Outpatients service is a great example of this.
“Our specialist team provides a wide range of clinical treatments and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, helping them manage their symptoms and maintain their wellbeing. What makes the service special is the combination of clinical expertise with the compassionate, individualised approach that people expect from St. Luke’s Hospice.”
The care provided by St. Luke’ Hospice s is made possible by a wider community of staff, volunteers, supporters, fundraisers, businesses and community organisations. Through its ongoing Caring Together campaign, the Hospice is celebrating the contribution of everyone who helps make its services possible. As a local charity, St. Luke’s Hospice relies on voluntary income to continue providing its care, free of charge, to local people.
To follow the campaign or share your own experience, follow St. Luke’s Hospice on Facebook @
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Lead photo: Clinical Outpatients team at St. Luke’s Hospice
About St. Luke’s Hospice
St. Luke’s Hospice is a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make the choices they want from the moment they are diagnosed.
Our care considers people’s medical, spiritual and emotional needs, including support for loved ones and carers. Anyone living in Basildon and district can call on us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Working alongside healthcare professionals, our specialist services are available at the Hospice, out in the community or in a person’s own home.
We are a charity and the services we provide are free. We rely on voluntary income from local people to deliver the care they deserve. To find out more, visit the St. Luke’s Hospice website at www.stlukeshospice.com.
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