Who we are
We are an experienced team who provide advice and support to patients with terminal disease and their families in their own homes across Sheffield. We have a core team of Clinical Nurse Specialists in Palliative Care but you may also have a visit from our Assistant Practitioners, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Wellbeing Practitioners, Social Workers or Chaplains depending on your needs. We have a Consultant and Specialist Registrar in Palliative Care Medicine and you may also meet junior doctors in earlier stages of their training.
We work every day of the year 9am to 5pm Monday to Sunday including Bank Holidays.
What we do:
We provide specialist palliative care to people who have advanced and progressive illnesses from which there is no cure. We attend to their emotional and spiritual wellbeing, as well as their physical symptoms.
After being referred to us by a Healthcare Professional, you will have telephone contact with our Triage Service. This team will discuss more details of your needs and plan the most timely and appropriate follow up. They may arrange a home visit but could also direct you to attend a clinic or specific session with our Patient and Family Support Service (PAFSS) at our hospice site.
Our specialist team have particular expertise in the control of pain and other symptoms associated with terminal disease.
We offer:
- Advice on how to manage physical problems caused by your illness or treatment.
- Someone to talk to about your illness, how it affects your life and those closest to you.
- Help planning for the future and how to manage possible emergencies or deterioration in your health.
- Support and advice for people who want to remain at home in the last days of their life to ensure you are comfortable and well cared for.
- Support to your family and friends.
- Support to you extended care team (your GP or Community District Nurse) by offering education and advice.
Some of our Clinical Nurse Specialist team are able to prescribe medications.
Where applicable, we can also complete the SR1 (formerly DS1500 form) to ensure timely access to benefits through the Department of Work and Pensions.
What we don’t do:
- We don’t provide hands-on, physical care in the home. This is usually provided by private care companies following assessment by Sheffield City Council Social Work or the Community District Nurses.
- We don’t provide an overnight sitting service. This is provided by the NHS Intensive Home Nursing Service following assessment by ourselves or the Community District Nurses.
- If other specialist clinical reviews as required, for instance, for diabetes, dietetics or continence, please refer to those specific specialist nursing teams directly via Single Point of Access (number below).
- We do not take over care from your GP surgery. They continue to be your main point of call for things like repeat prescriptions and routine medical reviews.
Why have I been referred to the team?
Patients are referred to our team at various stages of their illness. Sometimes we see people straight after diagnosis with others later on or during treatment. The usual reasons for referral include.
- Expert advice regarding pain and symptom management.
- Emotional and psychological support for yourself or your family.
- Advanced care planning – what to do if you become more unwell.
Being referred to St Luke’s does not always mean death is imminent. We manage the ability to live with controlled symptoms. As time moves on, and as conditions change, we have a unique and privileged position to speak about dying.
How often will I see the team?
Our patients are seen face-to-face as often as required depending upon their clinical needs. This may vary from daily, weekly or monthly as necessary. We also maintain phone and video contact and conduct some of our support remotely. We do discharge patients once their symptoms are controlled and as their conditions stabilise. However, even when discharged, patients can contact the service on the numbers below.
How do I contact the team?
The team can be contacted 7 days a week, 365 days a year between 9am and 5pm:
- Patient and Family Helpline: 0114 235 7494
- Healthcare Professional Helpline: 0114 235 7663
We understand it is sometimes difficult to describe the situation you or a loved one is in. We use voicemail so please leave your name, phone number and a brief message if possible and the team will call you back as soon as they can. Calls left after 4:45pm and overnight will be responded to the next day.
Other helpful contacts:
- Out of Hours GP: 111
- Single Point of Access (SPA) for Community District Nurses: 0114 226 6578
- Weston Park Hospital: 0114 226 5300
- Macmillan Palliative Care Unit (MPCU): 0114 271 6010
View our signposting document below for a list of trusted internet resources for those seeking further information, advise and support.