Patient Services
Palliative care is offered when no further curative treatment is appropriate but much can be done to improve and maintain quality of life. Day-to-day support can be provided by your GP or local health services.
The specialist palliative care provided by Florence Nightingale Hospice deals with the more complex physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of cancer and non-cancer patients.
We welcome patients and those close to them, irrespective of age, social or financial circumstances or ethnic group. You can ask to be referred by your GP, hospital consultant, district nurse, specialist nurse or social worker. Access to any of the services is based on clinical need.
All services are offered free of charge.
Below is a summary of our services and there are additional leaflets you may wish to download at the bottom of this page.
Inpatient Unit 
We have 11 palliative care beds and one day-case bed which is used for some treatments that would normally take place in a hospital setting. Some patients need only to stay a short period of time before symptoms improve and they are able to go home. Those nearing the end of life, along with their families, are supported by the experienced and established clinical team. Although we offer a pre-booked respite care bed for our patients, the demand for this service means that we are unable to offer any long-term care placements.
Day Hospice/Therapies 
Day Hospice can take up to 12 patients a day 4 days a week. New patients are assessed by the clinical team on Tuesdays and then offered a 12-week placement if appropriate. The placement can be extended if needed.
Day Hospice offers individual care through therapeutic treatments, pain and symptom relief and a range of psychological and welfare support. It also provides a social setting for patients to learn new skills, reminisce and share their personal worries.
The David White Group focusses on chronic lung disease. The group is structured over a 12-week programme and patients are taught to understand the nature of their breathing problems and how to develop new coping mechanisms for improved quality of life.
Florrie’s Children’s Team 
The team of nurses and carers provide support for the sick child and their family including siblings. This practical care, normally provided by the parents, can take the form of feeding, injections or dialysis care. This service provides much needed respite care for all members of the family, enabling them to remain in the comfort and security of their own home. The team work closely with other health professionals and offer post bereavement support according to the individual family’s needs.
Lymphoedema Service
The clinic treats patients who experience immobility and physical discomfort from swollen limbs either due to fluid retention following surgery or with a genetic deficiency in the lymph system. After full assessment, ongoing treatment might include skin care, exercises, compression bandaging, provision of garments and massage.The service is not restricted to those with cancer, and patients come from a wide area beyond Aylesbury Vale.
Community Specialist Palliative Care Service
A team of nurse specialists offer advice and support to patients and their families/carers, helping them to remain at home for as long as possible. This initially involves visiting patients in their own home and assessing the most appropriate form of ongoing support, either by telephone or home visit. The team work closely with other health professionals including district nurses, GPs, hospital and other hospice staff to provide a seamless level of care for each patient.
Bereavement Service
Trained volunteer bereavement listeners offer support to families and carers following the death of a loved one. The aim of the service is to help people re-establish their own lives but sometimes these needs can be complex and ongoing. A specially trained team offer bereavement support to children facing the loss of siblings, parents or grandparents.
Other Facilities
ScarfHut ScarfHut was founded to provide a fashionable source of accessories for patients undergoing Chemotherapy, with the additional aim to provide financial support for the Hospice.
Resources
- How to Access the Palliative Care Service at FNH
- Patient Information Leaflet on Admission
- Day Hospice Leaflet
- Complementary therapy leaflet
- Moving on from FNH
- Standards Leaflet
- Medicines Outside Licence
- Chronic Breathing Group Leaflet
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