The Wisdom Hospice in Rochester, Kent benefited from the Department of Health funding in 2014 which supported redevelopment and expansion of the day hospice as well as the creation of a new physiotherapy gym. Due to these changes we have been able to expand the range of services, increasing access for patients and carers to a series of innovative therapeutic programmes.

The creation of the physiotherapy gym has allowed increased development of the specialist palliative rehabilitation service including:

• New weekly circuit exercise group

• New 3 session fatigue and breathlessness group

• Dedicated outpatient clinic space for assessment and treatment including acupuncture where appropriate

• Dedicated assessment and treatment space for the use of ward patients and day hospice patients

• A new range of exercise equipment to help patients maintain and improve their independence, strength, mobility and quality of life as well as boost their mood and self-confidence.

The new Day Hospice development promotes themodel of person centred care incorporating patients, carers and local communities. We engage with Carers, empowering them to access support and validating the importance of the caring role.

Patients and carers have equal access to a diverse range of support services. Specialist days offer a network of support and opportunities to develop resilience and coping enhancing quality of life and communication.

The therapeutic services include:

• Art therapy:supporting the expression of feelings and experiences through images and various forms of art work.

• The SAFE programme:6 weektherapeutic support programme for carers.

• A patient and carer group: offers 6 sessionsproviding information, emotional and psychological support.

• Making meaningful memories using a variety of media including textiles,life story work, personal journals and technology.

• Relaxation and visualisation:reducing psychological distress.

• Complementary therapies

• Pamper days: improving self-image andself-esteem.

• Neurological specialist service

• Public events: increasing access to information and support.