All information about a patient and his/her family will be treated in the strictest confidence within the hospice care team.
Fire Safety
The fire alarms are tested weekly. The nursing staff will inform patients when a test is about to take place.
If there is a fire in the hospice building the nursing staff will tell patients if there is a need for the ward to be evacuated.
Medical Health Records
Patients have a right to see their medical records (subject to certain exceptions). Our doctors will be pleased to discuss this.
Medical/Nursing Allied Healthcare Professional Students and Research
The hospice participates in the training of medical, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work and nursing students and in research. Any students will be clearly identified to the patients. Permission will first be sought if any medical students are to be involved in asking any questions, in any examinations or to be present during consultations. There is no obligation on the part of the patient to participate in any research or medical student training and if they declines to do so this will in no way affect their treatment or care.
Cultural Needs
We have a support worker who is available in order to help us to provide care that takes into account a patient's background and culture.
Interpreter Facilities
Whilst a member of a patient's family may be willing to act as an interpreter, he/she may not always be available when the patient wishes to ask questions. There may also be some aspects of a patient's treatment/care that the patient does not wish to share with members of their family.
If a patient has difficulty in speaking or understanding English, in many cases an interpreter can be found to help. It would be helpful for us to know this beforehand, in order to assist the staff in making the necessary arrangements.
Religious Needs and Matters of Faith or Belief
LOROS has no specific religious affiliation but spiritual care is an important part of the overall support provided. Our concern is to respect the wishes and needs of patients themselves and of their families.
The chapel or prayer room, situated off the main reception area, is available for the benefit of all. People of any or of no faith are welcome to use it as a quiet place for prayer, worship or reflection. There are copies of the religious books of the major faiths available together with other aids to devotion. There are facilities for ritual ablution adjacent to the chapel.
Details of times of organised prayer or worship in the chapel will be provided by the hospice chaplain. Arrangements may be made for a patient to see a religious leader of a patient's choice from a wide variety of faiths as required.
Social Security Benefits and Pensions
If a patient receives Social Security payments, for example attendance allowance, disability living allowance, incapacity benefit, income support or a state pension and has any queries about entitlement whilst an inpatient at the hospice, he/she may speak to the LOROS social worker, who will be happy to advise.
Travel Arrangements for Relatives When Coming to the Hospice
If a relative needs help with travel to visit a patient at the hospice, they may speak with a member of the hospice team.
Advanced Directives/Living Wills
Any patient who has made a Living Will or who wishes to do so, is encouraged to discuss this with the medical and/or nursing staff. Any such advance statement will be taken into consideration when planning care.
Private Health Insurance
Many people nowadays do have private health insurance. The insurance companies have in place arrangements to make payments towards meeting the cost of a patient’s treatment in the hospice. If this applies, the hospice could benefit from this income, patients are asked to speak with a member of the nursing staff.
Providing Quality Care
LOROS aims to meet high standards of care and to provide a quality service. We welcome comments about the services received whilst with us. Further details of all of our services are available on the main hospice noticeboard.
Family Support
The LOROS home visitors help to support patients and carers in their own homes. We are able to provide company for those who live alone and to enable carers to have a few hours off each week to relax and pursue other activities.
Patients' and Carers' Forum
LOROS holds a regular forums at the Hospice or at Manor Croft for patients and carers to share their experiences, with a view to improving our services. For more information, click here.
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