Palliative care study launched at hospital

The project at the Friarage Hospital is being managed by the Hambleton and Richmondshire community specialist palliative care team. It builds on the good practice established by the team for in-reach services at the Friarage over many years.

However, it includes a number of new elements, to ensure a more integrated approach both on the ward and once patients are discharged into the community. The service features a community specialist nurse from the team being based on the Friarage site for the first time.

Bosses hope it will ensure a quicker response and more support to A&E and the admissions ward to help assess whether a hospital admission is necessary or can be averted by the effective use of resources in the community.

It will also help to ensure rapid access to routine tests and treatment, thereby eliminating any delays in getting people back home.

The nurse’s strong links with district nurses and other healthcare professionals as well as local GPs will also ensure good communications between hospital and community based healthcare teams.

Pam Thorne is the specialist palliative care nurse responsible for managing the project and delivering the service.

She said: “The whole team is very excited about this new project, which will look at the best model for providing in-reach care to hospital patients going forward into future years.

“It is great news that there is ongoing continuity of care and support for patients in Hambleton and Richmondshire facing life limiting illness, whether in the community or hospital. The recent transfer of community based palliative care services to South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust means that we will be able to work more collaboratively than ever.”