The centres are self contained with comfortable sitting areas; all have easy wheelchair access and facilities for hairdressing and bathing are available at most centres. Numbers are limited each day to allow a high degree of personal attention.
A day at a centre is something to look forward to each week, they are places where people can relax, find a sympathetic and understanding ear and just be themselves, participating if they wish, in a range of enjoyable activities.
Physical and psychological care is also undertaken within the day care environment, including active physiotherapy.
On arrival at 10.00 am there is a cup of tea or coffee waiting. Meals are home cooked and special dietary needs are catered for as far as possible. Afternoon tea is provided before departure at 3.00 pm
The specially trained health professionals are assisted by volunteer helpers at each centre as well as volunteer drivers who transport patients to and from the day hospices.
St Barnabas Hospice operate an open referral policy which means any of the following may refer.
- Support Sister/Macmillan Nurses within the Trust's catchment area.
- GP or other members of Primary Health Care teams.
- Members of the hospital multi-disciplinary team.
- Self Referral by contacting a Day Hospice.
- The In-patient Unit of St Barnabas Hospice Trust.