Background/Context of the work Princess Alice Hospice had a thriving therapeutic but traditional model of Day Hospice. Staff identified, however, that some patients declined attendance or stopped attending after a short time. Feedback indicated this was due to the inflexible nature of the model.

Aim and approach used A period of consultation was planned, with main stakeholders, to explore opinion and different models of care. Meetings were held with patients, staff, referrers, Trustees, hospitality and driving volunteers. A questionnaire was subsequently developed and sent to these stakeholders to provide further data. One hundred and fourteen questionnaires were returned and analysis of data provided evidence to support change while retaining some of the traditional model of care.

Outcomes

• A redesign of the weekly programme to include three days of the traditional Day Hospice model and two days of new individual and group activities.

• Increased flexibility in the service

  • Patients accessing different elements of the service at different stages of their journey

  • Full day, half day and one hour appointments

• Additional carer support activities.

• Opportunities for staff and volunteer development.

• Ongoing re-evaluation of the programme and adaptations as needed.

• A service which is now more receptive and open to change.

Application to hospice practice Hospice services are being challenged to consider their future and plan strategically to meet the changing needs of the people they support¹. Day services should not be exempt from this scrutiny. Changing a model of care can be difficult and painful, but services must ultimately meet the needs of the people they support to be viable. In a changing social and medical world Day Hospice services need to be flexible and open to change in order to deliver and sustain a future proofed service.

Reference ¹ Calanzani et al (2013) Current and future needs for hospice care. Help the Hospices, London.