St John’s care focuses on pain and symptom management, and care of the dying patient, this means we are unable to provide services for patients whose health conditions do not require specialist palliative care input; need indefinite care; have clinical problems that are not related to their life-shortening condition or have needs that would be best cared for in a Hospital setting. In cases such as these St John’s can suggest an alternative care pathway.
St John’s needs to prioritise access to all our services according to the complexity of patient need and demand, so therefore unfortunately may not be able to fulfil all requests. Before referring a person to St John’s here is some information to help you consider the services available and therefore what may be the most appropriate service to consider referring to:
St John’s Hospice inpatient ward provides Specialist Palliative Care for adults aged 18 and over whom have an advanced progressive life-shortening illness with associated complex needs which cannot be managed effectively by other health care services.
Referring a person to St John’s Hospice in patient ward may be for the palliative care and management of complex symptoms, which may include a combination of physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs. A referral may also be made for care of a dying patient. St Johns is not a place of long-term care.
Referrals to the inpatient ward are made via health professionals e.g. GPs, District Nurses and Hospital Staff by completing the referral form here. On completing the form, please email it to:
[email protected] More detailed information can be found on the
inpatient referral criteria information sheet.
The St John's Community team is made up of a number of different services; each designed to supporting patients and their families who prefer to remain at home for symptom management, pain relief and end of life care.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Team works across North Lancashire area and supports people with incurable illnesses to live as well as possible. They work to reduce some of the problems people face by giving physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional support, helping people to look ahead and encourage people to share their end of life wishes with those close to them. They also help co-ordinate other care services in the area to help with pain management and symptom control. This team often work with a patient in their last 12 months of life.
The Hospice at Home team works with patients who need palliative care and choose to be at home. They can assist with a wide range of needs such as managing breathing difficulties, nausea and pain and help people to be as comfortable as possible in their own homes. They can also offer day and night respite visits for palliative patients to support the patient and family carer. This team often work with a patient in their last 3 months of life.
