Frequently asked questions
Helping raise money for your local Hospice!
You probably have lots of questions you'd like to ask us. Here are some of the most frequently asked - but if you have more, just get in touch!
How to use the FAQ section Simply, move your cursor and click on the question you wish to see the answer for.
Where can I find out more information that might be useful to me?
We now have a comprehensive list of links within our useful links section, under the tab, Our Care.
What happens to my allowances whilst I'm in the hospice?
If you are in receipt of an attendance allowance, this should be passed on to the Hospice for the duration of your stay to contribute to some of the costs.
Do you have to be religious to use the hospice?
No, we welcome all patients, regardless of race or creed..
What about eating, drinking and smoking?
We cater for any special dietary requirements and we want patients to enjoy their stay with us and treat the Hospice as a home from home. A drinks trolley is available, or you can bring in your own drinks. And if you smoke, there is a designated room for this.
What about visiting hours?
There aren't any, because patients can have as many or as few visits as they wish. Pets are particularly welcome!
How long do people stay in the hospice?
The average length of stay is around 10 days - we are not able to provide long term care.
How much money do you need to run the hospice, and how is it funded?
Our annual running costs are in the region of £3 million (£1.3 million for children’s services and £1.7 million for adult services), the majority of which is funded from voluntary donations and fund-raising.
What sort of conditions do patients have?
We care for patients with any life-limiting or terminal illness. A lot of our adult patients have some type of cancer, but we also care for Motor Neurone Disease patients, as well as people with COPD, Heart Failure, Kidney Disease or Multiple Sclerosis, to name just some of the illnesses. Basically, any patient in the terminal stage of their illness. Children usually have rare degenerative illnesses, with only 2% nationally having cancer. There is a wide spectrum of conditions which may require that a child needs palliative care. The majority of the care needed is respite care. We also provide terminal care and we have a special room where children and young people who have died can stay until the funeral takes place. This facility provides an opportunity for the family to say their goodbyes in a homely environment and with the support of staff if needed.
What is the catchment area?
Although the majority of our adult patients live in North East Lincolnshire, we accept patients from Lincolnshire if they reside close to the N.E. Lincolnshire border. However, depending on individual circumstances, we may provide care for people living anywhere if their families live in this area. Children are referred from throughout Lincolnshire, Hull & East Yorkshire.
Do patients pay for their care?
No. We believe that care should be available to anyone, whatever their financial circumstances.
Can I only come to the Hospice during the final stages of my illness?
Quite the reverse, the Hospice would prefer to have an early referral so that a close relationship can be forged early on in the illness to enable us to provide a full range of support throughout the patient’s illness. On average, 65% of our adult patients are discharged after spending time with us for respite care, symptom control or rehabilitation.
What is respite care?
Respite care helps both the patient and those normally caring for them. Caring for someone 24 hours a day 7 days a week is physically and emotionally very tiring, and enabling the carer to have some time to recharge their batteries is very important. Equally, patients often need some time away from the carers and the feeling of being dependent.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is the relieving or soothing of the symptoms of a disease or disorder. In other words, palliative care ensures patients’ lives are made as comfortable as possible.
What are the admission criteria?
We provide palliative care to anyone with a progressive, life-limiting illness. No charge is made to any patient, irrespective of means.
How do I get referred to the hospice?
Patients can refer themselves, or anyone can refer. Once a referral is made, Our liaison Nurse will do a home visit to assess the patient.
How many staff do you have?
We have approximately 100 staff, including 45 nurses, enabling us to provide 24 hour care, 7 days a week. We also have over 500 volunteers, who help in every aspect of the Hospice's work.
Are there doctors at the hospice?
We have two part-time Medical Directors, Dr Tony Salisbury and Dr Fermin Blanco, who are local GP's and may take over the care of patients whilst they are in the Hospice. However, patients can choose to stay under the care of their own GP while they are with us.
Is the Hospice part of the NHS?
We are an independent organisation, but we work collaboratively with other Health Care professionals in the NHS, such as GPs and District Nurses, as well as organisations such as Marie Curie and Macmillan, to ensure that the delivery of care is seamless.
