A new era for end of life and palliative care

The end life and palliative care service team at Springhill Hospice

Today (Tuesday 1 July) sees the start of the new integrated end of life and palliative care service from Springhill Hospice. 

Springhill Hospice will be responsible for delivering all palliative and end of life care throughout the borough. The services will include the existing Hospice at Home service and 24 hour advice line, but will extend to specialist nursing, education, social work, physiotherapy, counselling and a team of volunteers who will support families in the community. Springhill are also actively looking to recruit a consultant in palliative medicine.

Sheila Johnson said: “This extension to our services has been a huge boost for Springhill and the services that we have previously offered. Anybody who has ever experienced Springhill care knows the high standard of care that we strive to deliver, and this will be no different out in the community. We are so pleased to roll out the new service and increase the choices available to end of life and palliative patients in the borough.”

Dr Lynn Hampson, local GP and NHS HMR CCG’s clinical lead for urgent and planned care, said: “We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect with choices around treatment and care from the beginning, to the end of their life.”

Julie Halliwell, Chief Executive of Springhill Hospice said “We are so proud of the enhancement to our existing services and can’t wait to begin delivering these additional and vital services in our community.”

The three year contract was awarded to Springhill following a joint approach between NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Rochdale MBC. The aim of the contract is to increase the number of patients who receive the care they need in their preferred place of care.

If anybody would like any details about the new service, they should get in touch with the clinical team on 01706 649920.