Accessing the service

Pilgrims Hospices is committed to treating patients in a suitable and timely way. Referrals to the service can be made in the following way:

• Referrals via specialist palliative care referral forms are accepted from hospital consultants, GPs, hospital clinical nurse specialists and district nurses. Forms can be downloaded here.

• The GP will be informed of the referral prior to a patient being contacted

Process

• Each referral is first seen by the hospice consultant and a senior nurse

• The clinical nurse specialist will then contact the patient and/or family within 7 working days of initial receipt of referral.
• An appointment is confirmed to meet the patient; this may take place at the patient's home, hospice or community clinic.
• If the referral is urgent, a member of the team will make a telephone contact within 2 working days.
• For immediate advice and guidance, healthcare professionals may phone the hospices directly.