Heart of Sandwell Day Hospice - Revisited

This investigation is a follow-up to the earlier Healthwatch Sandwell (HWS) reports published in July and October 2017 which made four recommendations to improve the service.

The aim of the re-visit was to assess if the recommendations had been implemented. The Heart of Sandwell Day Hospice continues to provide an excellent service and much needed respite support for carers of the patients who attend. The service provides social, physical and emotional support as well as practical support and financial advice etc. to patients whose lives are affected by a life limiting illness. One recommendation was fully implemented; the location sign of the day hospice was displayed in the entrance. The other three recommendations remain outstanding:

• We would recommend that Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBHT) considers making this service more readily available for more patients.

• We would recommend that SWBHT invest in additional transport and recruit more volunteer drivers.

• To consider forward planning for more space so that the service can accommodate more patients.

This visit also recommends that communication between the Day Hospice and GPs, and the Day Hospice and UHB, be improved to meet patients’ needs. HWS suggests that all these recommendations are given consideration by SWBHT to ensure that the service continues to provide an effective service.

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Heart of Sandwell Day Hospice - Revisited

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