Ellenor Hospice, Gravesend
Providing an evolving package of consultant-led services for a Kent-based hospice which was experiencing gaps in provision.
Services used
Fact file:
- Location: Gravesend, Kent
- Capacity: 15 inpatient beds (8 NHS-funded), day hospice supports up to 20 adults
- Staff: 154 staff members
- Services: Inpatient, outpatient, and Hospice@Home care for adults, therapies
The challenge
In 2020, as a result of an unexpected gap in provision, the hospice were lacking second-on-call consultant support. Another hospice recommended contacting SCUK, and after reaching out for references, the CEO asked us to take on the role.
Our solution
Initially, we provided ellenor with second-on-call support, between 5pm and 9am from Monday to Friday, and for 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays. The in-house team felt it was working well, and so when a senior doctor left, they asked us to add in a weekly board round, and MDT meetings with both the inpatient unit and the adult community team. At the time of writing, the CEO is exploring the possibility of increasing our provision further.
Impact and outcomes
The leadership team at ellenor believe that working with us is having a hugely positive impact on staff well-being and multi-disciplinary working. It has taken away the need to recruit a palliative care consultant, which is known to be challenging, and helped the team navigate the Covid-19 pandemic. And doctors and nurses feel well supported and reassured by the ability to reach out to consultants who are experts in palliative care for complex case management.
My team and I are very proud of the innovative approach we have taken to providing end-of-life care with a difference, in line with the NHS 10-year plan. Working with Supportive Care UK gives me the reassurance that my team have the support they need, when they need it, which in turn means our patients are getting the best possible care.
