Medical Services

The medical team has much experience working with patients with life-threatening illnesses regardless of the diagnosis.  They work in all areas of the Hospice, seeing patients on the Inpatient Unit, at outpatient clinics and in their own homes.  They also see patients in the hospital.  They provide specialist advice on the control of symptoms such as pain, nausea and breathlessness and also provide advice out of hours to patients, families and other healthcare professionals.

Like the Macmillan nurses, the doctors are in contact with the doctors at the hospital and with your GP so that everyone is kept updated on your care.
The medical team are committed to their own continual professional development, through reading of journal articles and attending relevant courses and conferences.  They practice evidence-based medicine and are involved in teaching to colleagues at the Hospice and other educational meetings.

FAQ – Do the doctors just deal with cancer?

No, they have an expanding role in all advancing and progressive, life threatening diseases; including heart failure, chronic lung disease, motor neurone and other neurological disease, renal failure and HIV and AIDS.

FAQ – I am worried about taking morphine, will I become addicted?

Used properly, and in the right circumstances, morphine is an extremely effective pain killer with a long history of safe use.  There is no risk of addiction when used properly.  Side effects may be short-term or respond to simple treatment and alternatives exist if morphine is not tolerated or is ineffective.

FAQ – How long have I got left, doctor?  

This is an extremely difficult question to answer accurately and often we have to admit that we don’t know.  It is influenced by the rate of progression of a disease, response to treatment and the presence of other medical problems.
We are honest and answer the question frankly, balancing realism and hope. We aim, working with our colleagues, to make sure that the patient makes the most of the time left, that distressing symptoms are minimised and that the patient and family are supported up until death and during bereavement.