Guernsey’s Specialist Palliative Care team have created a guide to help patients feel more informed about the care and support options available locally, when diagnosed with a life limiting illness.
The guide provides practical information and things to think about when diagnosed a life limiting illness, such as; care options, benefit entitlements, making a Will and more.
It’s been specifically tailored to Guernsey.
Catherine Whetstone, Palliative Care Nurse, hopes it can help make people feel more informed about the care and support options available on island, giving them more choice and control over their own care.
“The Palliative Care team looks after people with various incurable illnesses including organ failure and cancer,” she explained. “Some people can live with an incurable illness for years, others for months or weeks.
“We support people throughout their illness and can provide end of life care in their own home. Our goal as a team is to support people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible.
“We understand that discussing death and dying can feel scary, and is not easy, but there are many reasons to have these conversations. It allows you to plan ahead and share your wishes with those closest to you, reflecting on what is important to you. We hope our new guide will provide helpful resources to empower people to start these vital discussions.”
Guernsey’s Specialist Palliative Care Team consists of two Palliative Care Associate Specialists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, a Specialist Occupational Therapist, and a Palliative Care Social Worker. They offer support throughout a patient’s illness, end of life care and bereavement.
The team provides holistic care to improve the quality of life for those living with terminal illnesses, as well as their families and carers. This includes the prevention, assessment and treatment of physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems, including helping control symptoms and providing financial and emotional support.
You can be referred to the team by a healthcare professional or can self-refer. The Specialist Palliative Care Team can be reached on 01481 223900.
The guide is available at: gov.gg/PalliativeCare
