Thames Hospice has announced the launch of a new Rapid Response Service, commissioned by the East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), to help people with life-limiting illnesses manage their condition at home.
This announcement coincides with Dying Matters Week, a national awareness campaign run by National Council for Palliative Care, highlighting the importance of talking about death and bereavement.
The new community service includes a palliative care telephone service, to give advice to local people on the End-of-Life Care Register and their families as well as healthcare professionals who need guidance and support on delivering palliative care. The specialist team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to provide guidance on symptom control, practical advice and emotional support.
As part of the service there is also a Rapid Response Team (RRT), made up of a Registered Nurse and Health Care Assistant, ready to make urgent visits to patients on the End-of-life Care Register. The RRT will also support their loved ones.
Jacquie Batchford, Thames Hospice Director of Patient and Family Services, said: “I am delighted that we are able to offer this new service to further support those people in our community who are facing the last year of their life. It will be reassuring for many to know that they will be able to pick up the phone and talk to a palliative care expert, at any time of the day or night, to manage their condition and, if possible, prevent unnecessary hospital visits.”
If you or someone you know requires support or advice on palliative or end-of-life care, please call the team on 01753 848925. To find out more about Thames Hospice’s services, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/ourservices