Aren't hospices just for people who have a few weeks to live? Expand Hospices are not just places where people come when they are at the very end of their life. Trinity provides care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable and who would benefit from our support. Many people using our services have many months or years to live and our approach is to ensure you live life to the full whatever time you have left.
Do I have to pay? Expand You do not have to pay for any service you receive as a patient at Trinity. All of our care is free for patients and their carers, family members and friends.
Does Trinity just care for people with cancer? Expand Trinity does not just care for people with cancer. Last year, 42% of the patients we cared for did not have a cancer diagnosis. At Trinity we care for people with all sorts of illnesses, including people with heart, lung, liver or kidney conditions or illnesses such as motor neurone disease.
How do I get admitted to the inpatient unit? Expand Usually a referral will be made for admission either by your community nurse, GP or if you are in hospital, by the hospital palliative care team. The referral is then reviewed by a team of nurses and doctors at Trinity. Often there are a number of people waiting to be admitted and the team will look at each referral on a daily basis when deciding who gets admitted on any one day. We do accept referrals from patients and/or their family or friends. When we receive such referrals we will ask your permission to get information from your GP and/or hospital doctor so that we are sure Trinity is the right place for you to be cared for.
How do I get to Trinity? Expand If you are able, we ask you to make your own way to Trinity. If you require transport, our staff can advise about eligibility for subsidised taxi travel and help you to apply. If you have difficulty accessing public transport, or have poor mobility, we can provide transport in our minibus, subject to availability. Please contact us and we will be happy to help.
How long will I stay at Trinity? Expand People are often worried that an admission to Trinity means they are imminently dying. Sometimes this will be the case but often it is not and around half of our patients will be discharged back home or to an alternative place of care. Trinity is not a long term place of care. Your length of stay will depend on your symptoms and how long it takes for us to have your symptoms better controlled. We will often start talking to you about discharge a number of days before we plan to discharge you so that we can help ensure it is a safe as possible and we have addressed as many of your needs at home as we can. Should you need to stay for a prolonged period of time however, Trinity is here to ensure you get the care you need for as long as necessary.
What are the rules around visiting? Expand Visiting Everyone is welcome at Trinity. We do not put a limit on the number of visitors but we do ask you to respect the privacy of other patients and also of their visitors. If large numbers wish to visit, we may suggest that a timetable is drawn up, so that only a few people visit at the same time. Family and friends are welcome to visit at any time. After 10pm our main gates are closed, but there is an entry phone which is monitored 24 hours a day. There is always someone to let you in an out, but it helps to let us know in advance if you wish to visit after 10pm. Staying overnight You are welcome to stay overnight if you wish. We can usually provide a spare bed for you to stay in the patient's room. Children We welcome children and young people as visitors and have an area specifically designed for children and young people, with games, books, and an Xbox. We ask adults to supervise their children at all times within our buildings and in the grounds. Please always accompany young children in the garden where we have two unfenced ponds and plants that can be hazardous if consumed. Pets During the daytime you are welcome to bring in well-behaved pets. We ask that you supervise your pets at all times, both within the buildings and the grounds.
What does palliative care mean? Expand Palliative care describes the type of care given to patients whose life limiting illness is no longer curable. Palliative care aims to treat the patient in a holistic way to maximise their quality of life and comfort.
Who is Trinity’s inpatient care for? Expand There may be circumstances when spending some time as an inpatient at Trinity might benefit you. You might, for example, have difficult symptoms that we can help get under control enabling you to return home feeling more comfortable. Your illness might be at an advanced stage and you may benefit from rehabilitation to enable you continue to live independently. People can stay at Trinity for as long as it takes to resolve their symptoms. Many find that a relatively short period of inpatient care makes a real difference to how they are feeling. Trinity is not a permanent alternative to care in your own home or a care home or nursing home. If while you are with us your symptoms resolve but it would be difficult for you to go back to your own home, we will help you, your family, friends and carers to look at and find other places where your care can be continued.
Why have I been referred to Royal Trinity Hospice? Expand If you’ve been referred to Trinity, it generally means it is no longer expected that your illness can be cured. This does not necessarily mean that death is imminent. Trinity’s professionals are experts in the management of pain and other symptoms. People often feel frightened when they hear they or their loved one has been referred to hospice or palliative care, but afterwards may wish it had happened sooner. Being referred to Trinity often leads to better management of symptoms and improved quality of life. It also allows for emotional and psychological support for your family and friends.
Will Trinity take over from my GP or District Nurse? Expand Trinity will not take over your care from your GP or District Nurse. Our role is different to theirs but our work is closely linked. Trinity nurses and doctors work together with other professionals involved in your care and are responsible for co-ordinating the involvement of all the different professionals.