Who does St Christopher's care for?
St Christopher's looks after people with cancer and other serious illnesses, such as Motor Neurone Disease, heart failure, chest and kidney disease. Everyone is welcome at St Christopher's, whatever their race, religion or lifestyle.
What geographical areas does St Christopher's cover?
St Christopher's catchment area covers the London Boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
What is hospice/palliative care?
Hospice or palliative care is a special type of care for people whose illness may no longer be curable. It enables them to achieve the best possible quality of life during the final stages of their illness. Hospice care also embraces families and friends by supporting them through the illness and into bereavement.
How is a patient referred to St Christopher's?
Referral to St Christopher's can be by a patient's GP, hospital doctor, district nurse, hospital or community palliative care team. Patients normally reside in our catchment area. Admission's Office 020 8768 4582.
Do patients have to pay?
All our services to patients and their families are free of charge. However, St Christophe''s is a registered charity and receives just 28% of its funding from the NHS. The hospice is dependent on voluntary funding to maintain its vital services.
Will St Christopher's understand my spiritual or religious needs?
St Christopher's welcomes everyone whatever their beliefs. Religious and Pastoral care is led by our Spiritual Care Lead and help is also available from representatives of most faiths. All of our professional staff at St Christopher's are able to engage in meaningful conversations with patients and carers, and realise that end of life care will raise some important questions for many.
I don't live in St Christopher's catchment area, how do I find my local hospice?
The Hospice information service, run in partnership with Help the Hospices, www.helpthehospices.org.uk publishes a directory of hospice and palliative care services in the UK and Ireland. As well as details of individual services, the directory provides many other useful resources that may be helpful to anyone affected by serious illness. The Hospice information service can also help you to find out more about hospice and palliative care in other countries. You can search the UK and international directories online at www.helpthehospices.org.uk/hospiceinformation or contact the enquiry line and speak to a member of the team.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7520 8222 (Monday – Friday 9am-5pm)
Fax: +44 (0)20 7278 1021 or +44 (0)20 8776 9345
Email: info@helpthehospices.org.uk
Facts concerning Pain control and morphine
