Referral process

Referrals to St Barnabas House are accepted from your GP, Hospital Consultant or Specialist Nurse. The hospice team works closely with your GP, so it is important that the GP knows you have been referred, as he or she holds overall responsibility for your care needs whilst you are at home.

How do I get referred?

You need to ask your GP or Consultant or other health care professional to make a referral. They can download a referral form from the health care professional page on this website.

Why might I be referred?

You may be referred to the service if you have an advanced or progressive disease from which you will not get better. You might be referred for advice and support regarding symptom control, psychological support for you or family members or for help in managing end of life care.

What happens after I am referred?

We aim to see urgent referrals within 2 days and routine referrals are seen within 10 working days, unless you state otherwise.

A member of the team will contact you and offer you an appointment at the hospice or at home. This appointment will usually last about 1 hour - where we will find out what has been happening for you, how you are feeling and what impact your illness is having on you, and those close to you. We will discuss measures to assist your current situation with you and once an action plan has been agreed, we may make recommendations to your GP and/or District Nursing team.

We may liaise with other healthcare professionals involved in your care or with other hospice services, if this is required.

We will then agree with you how we will continue to support you, as this will depend upon your individual needs.

How do I get referred for Hospice at Home support?

You may be referred for help with personal care from the Hospice at Home team when you become too unwell to manage this yourself. You can talk to your GP about this or you can ask your District Nurse to refer you. You or a family member may also discuss referring you with your St Barnabas Community Nurse.

Once you have been referred to the Hospice at Home team, you will usually be contacted on the same day to discuss your needs.

February 2013