St Peter and St James - Hospice and Continuing Care Centre

Medical Team | In-Patient Care | Day Care | Support Services | Questions and Answers | Governance

Common Questions and Answers.

Q: What is St Peter and St James Hospice and Continuing Centre?

A: St Peter and St James is a purpose-built 26 bedded unit set in 28 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside. Specialist hospice care is provided for people with illnesses such as cancer. Uniquely, we are also able to offer longer term palliative care for those with progressive diseases such as Motor Neurone Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. A specialist multidisciplinary team provide not only physical care but also the emotional, spiritual, social and cultural needs.

Q: How would I be referred to St Peter and St James?

A: Patients are usually referred by their GP or Consultant.

Q: Who leads the medical team at St Peter and St James?

A: Our team is led by Dr Steve Dyer, a Consultant in Palliative Medicine. Dr Dyer has a wealth of palliative care experience and, alongside his role at St Peter and St James, also has an honorary consultancy at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, allowing patients to see the same Consultant before and after referral to the Hospice. This creates a valuable continuity of care at what can be an extremely traumatic time.

Q: Would I be able to receive support at home?

A: Yes. We have trained nurses with specialist qualifications who provide a link with St Peter and St James and home. They work closely with our Consultant in Palliative Medicine, the patient's own GP, District Nurses and Social Workers. Patients receive specialist advice and support for their individual needs which enables them to have the best quality of life possible and the opportunity to be admitted to the in-patient unit when and if necessary.

Q: What is Day Therapy?

A: The Day Therapy Unit at St Peter and St James caters for up to 20 patients a day and is open 4 days a week. This facility alleviates social isolation for patients and carers by making it possible for the carers to have some time to themselves, whilst giving patients a chance to socialise in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. A wide range of social and creative activities are provided and patients have access to the medical team.

Q: Can St Peter and St James offer support to families and friends?

A: Yes. Support is offered during the patient's illness and for as long after bereavement as it is needed. There is initial support given by the nursing staff before and at the time of death which is continued and developed by trained bereavement counsellors.

Q: Do I have to be religious to be a patient?

A: No, St Peter and St James is a non-religious organisation. There is however a chaplaincy team and help is available for everyone regardless of whether or not they have a formal belief. The staff or chaplains are pleased to contact other churches, denominations or faiths if requested.

Q: Do patients have to pay?

A: St Peter and St James is a registered charity and all specialist hospice services are free of charge to the patient. Apart from a small amount of local health authority funding, we are almost entirely reliant on donations from the community to be able to provide these services.

To meet the complex needs of those admitted for Continuing Care, St Peter and St James receives funding from Primary Care Trusts and Health Authorities. Occasionally, patients may wish to part-fund their stay if circumstances permit.

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