At Teesside Hospice we have a holistic approach to patient care. We aim to treat the whole person and not just the symptoms of a disease taking into account social, spiritual, psychological and emotional factors.
Here is a brief overview of our services and facilities at Teesside Hospice and how we support patients:
To help promote feelings of relaxation and wellbeing we offer a range of Complementary Therapies to our patients including aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage, acupuncture and more. All of our therapies work alongside medical treatments to assist with emotional, psychological and physical symptoms such as stress and anxiety, or aches and pains.
We try to encourage our patients to try a therapy when they first come to the hospice, as often they are surprised by how comfortable it can make them feel as many have never experienced this kind of relaxation before.
All of our Complementary Therapies are adapted for use in palliative care, ensuring that they are both gentle and safe. Our skilled team of Complementary Therapists carry out a full consultation with each of our patients and tailor treatments to their individual needs.
There is no right or wrong way to feel when living with a life-limiting illness. It is likely that people will experience a range of emotions and concerns.
The ‘Be in Charge’ (BIC) group is a six-week programme, run throughout the year, by our multi-professional team to help patients cope better, both physically and emotionally, with their illness. All of the sessions focus upon the many challenges patients face and are delivered by a mixture of professionals at the hospice. A typical session may include a Counsellor providing emotional support and advice on how to maintain happy and healthy relationships. Another session may include a Dietician delivering an interactive cooking class, with easy-to-follow techniques to create a balanced diet.
Other support available on the BIC programme includes advice on how to stay occupied when unable to go to work, or how to keep up your physical fitness and manage fatigue. It is also common for some patients to feel anxious about the unpredictable nature of their illness and how they can manage symptoms themselves, so we also look at this too.
Most importantly, the programme is an opportunity for patients to talk and share their experiences with one another. If you think that you or a family member may benefit from attending a BIC group at Teesside Hospice, contact your GP or Community Nurse and ask them to refer you to our service.
We have a purpose built hairdressing salon at Teesside Hospice run by a qualified hairdresser and a dedicated team of volunteers. Hairdressing is available to all hospice patients who request it, whether they are an inpatient or attending our Edward & Glenis Guy Day Hospice.
Our hairdressing service makes an important contribution to patients’ wellbeing. A change in body image, due to treatment and medication, can often have a significant emotional impact on patients. But we all know how special you can feel after a pamper and a new hairdo!
Sometimes patients have not been to a hairdresser in a long time; or are not able to look at themselves in the mirror. Our aim is to help our patients feel better about themselves, regaining one’s self esteem and enjoy the experience our hairdressing service offers.
We recognise that not all individuals attend a place of worship, pray or have a belief system. For some people prayer is important. For others, it is being with their deep thoughts that are important.
No matter your faith or belief system, our Chaplaincy Team is available to help meet your spiritual needs. If you have concerns or thoughts about the bigger, deeper questions of life, our Chaplaincy Team are here to listen to your concerns and offer compassion – but will equally respect your wishes should you prefer not to discuss such matters.
Our team visit the Inpatient Unit and Day Hospice throughout the week and welcome requests for personal visits. They are also available to listen, talk things over and reassure and if it is requested they can pray with individuals.
Within our hospice we have a beautiful Room for Reflection – a place for families to come and relax, or pray if they wish, in a peaceful and tranquil setting. The room features an ‘In Memoriam’ book and a number of virtual sky windows, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxing for visitors.
When you or someone close to you has a life limiting illness, it is normal to experience a range of conflicting feelings. There are lots of losses and anticipated losses to grieve over and adjust to. Sometimes it is difficult to talk about them to the people you love as you want to protect them and not upset them further.
Our Bereavement Counselling Service offers the opportunity for counselling or psychological support for patients and their families who are receiving care from the hospice.
What does the counselling service offer?
Our team helps individuals explore their experiences and feelings around anticipatory grief by offering:
Our Bereavement Counselling Service team consists of highly trained staff and volunteers who work to a nationally agreed code of practice. The service is professional and an integral part of Hospice care.
As a patient, one of the clinical team can refer you for counselling.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, our Coffee Shop is a cosy and friendly place where patients, families and visitors can relax and enjoy quality time together.
All of the food served in the Coffee Shop is homemade in the hospice kitchen and the menu is reviewed regularly to reflect seasonal changes.
We have healthy options, toasted sandwiches and light refreshments such as traditional toasted teacakes served with butter. Old favourites are also on offer including homemade soup and our popular hospice scones.
All proceeds from our Coffee Shop go directly towards supporting patient care.
The general public are also welcome to visit.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 10.30am until 2.30pm