Community Team

Members of the Community Palliative Care Team

Who are the St Barnabas House Community Team?

We are a team of nurse specialists and doctors who work alongside your GP, District Nurse, and other health care professionals involved in your care, to provide a high quality service to assist you in managing symptoms and supporting psychological and emotional needs that may occur as a result of your illness.

We are employed by and are based at St Barnabas House. We are not funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, but we provide a very similar service.

We are supported by medical secretaries, who co-ordinate our administration. When you telephone us, the secretaries will usually be your first point of contact with the Community Team. We can visit you at home, in a rest or nursing home, or in a local community hospital. Alternatively, you can choose to be seen at the hospice.

We work Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm and also provide an 'urgent service' from 9am to 5pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.

What can I expect from the Community Team?

The Community Team can offer:

• Advice and support about managing your symptoms
  
• Emotional support for you and those close to you
  
• Help planning your future wishes regarding your care or treatment
  

We can refer you to other members of the hospice team, including:

• Family Support Team
  
• Chaplain
  
• Day Hospice
  
• Hospice at Home
  
• Physiotherapist
  

The team can facilitate admission to the hospice for:

• Symptom management
  
• Respite care
  
• End of life care
  

Discussions and support regarding Advanced Care Planning.

We can liaise with others involved in your care, if you are admitted to Worthing Hospital for symptoms related to your illness.

How do I contact the Community Team?

You can telephone the hospice on 01903 706300 ext 6349 or 6350 during office hours if you need advice or support from a member of the Community Team. If the nurse is not available, please leave a message with one of our team secretaries, stating your name, telephone number and a brief message. One of the nurses will be asked to return your call at the earliest opportunity.

At weekends and Bank Holidays, please telephone the main switchboard on 01903 706300 and ask to speak to a Community Nurse. Overnight, you can call the same number and speak to one of the ward nurses.

For further information, please see our Information for Patients leaflet under 'Related links' at the bottom of the page.