Palliative Care

The Weston Park palliative care service aims to improve the quality of life of people (including carers) affected by cancer by paying attention to their physical, psychological, social and spiritual concerns.

The palliative care team at Weston Park is made up of a consultant, two specialist nurses and a senior doctor in training who provide services to around 500 patients a year with life-limiting illness.

The care includes:

Pain management
Symptom relief
Psychological support
Spiritual support
Carer support
End of life care

The Palliative care team at Weston Park Hospital is part of the Sheffield Teaching hospital multidisciplinary palliative care team which includes St Luke's Hospice.

The team works closely with other services such as the chaplaincy social workers, discharge liaison, dietetics and physiotherapy services.

They also work with the wider health care community in the Trent Region to make sure that there is a continuity of care provided to patients who may use their services.

Who can have palliative care?

Anyone with a life-limiting illness may be offered palliative care to help relieve the symptoms of their illness. This care can be given in conjunction with ongoing cancer treatment or on its own for people who need help with the effects of their condition.

When can I see a member of the team?

The team are available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and they can visit any of the departments in the hospital including outpatient departments. Please ask your nurse or doctor if you would like to speak to one of the team.

How is palliative care provided?

On referral to the palliative care team a specialist nurse or doctor will visit you to make an assessment of your needs and will offer suggestions to help you manage those needs. The team may revisit you during you stay to review your situation. On discharge from the hospital a member of the team will refer you on to similar services in the community if there is an ongoing need.

How can I contact the team?

The specialist nurses can be contacted via the Weston Park switchboard number on +44 (0) 114 2265000 or on +44 (0) 114 226 5260.

To contact St Luke's Hospice please call +44 (0) 114 2369911

To contact the Sheffield Macmillan Unit please call +44 (0) 114 226 6770

Where can I get more information?