Outpatient Care

Out-patient Clinics
Clinics operate once a week in South Tyrone and Craigavon Hospitals as well as on site at the Hospice. The Out-patient Clinics are run by the Hospice’s Medical Director and a Hospice Nurse. The aim of these clinics is to help local people avail of specialist advice and care closer to home.

The Out-patient Clinics are appropriate for patients and families, from diagnosis, through treatment and onwards to bereavement care. The Out-patient Clinics were opened as a joint venture between Southern Area Hospice Services and the Southern Health and Social Services Board. They provide specialist care to patients affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses.

Out-patient Clinics offer help by:
•Assessing and managing illness symptoms
•Providing psychosocial support, information and counselling
• Allowing for continuity of care
• Offering a bereavement service for patients’ families

The Hospice Out-patient Clinics are available to:
• Patients
• Their families
• Their carers

Clinics are available at three sites:
• Craigavon Area Hospital
• South Tyrone Hospital
• Southern Area Hospice Services

The Service
Each clinic operates once a week. The clinics are run by the Hospice Medical Director and a specially trained Hospice Nurse, who work closely with the other health staff. They provide patients and their carers with the opportunity to receive advice from specialists about issues such as pain control management, nausea and other symptoms.
They also provide the opportunity for GPs and Nurses to locally access the Hospice Specialist for advice and information regarding the management of their patients.

Aim of the Service
The aim of the service is to improve access for patients and their carers across the Southern Health Board Area. The clinics help patients avoid travelling long distances to receive specialist advice and support.

Aim of the Team
To enhance the quality of life for patients and families through all stages of an illness, by responding to each person’s individual needs.

What happens
On arrival at the Out-patient Clinic patients should report to reception. At the Craigavon and Dungannon clinics patients will be examined by Dr. Morris, and at the Newry clinic patients will be examined by Dr. Morris or the Hospice Medical Officer. If appropriate, bloods will be checked and any other necessary tests will be carried out.
If needed, changes to medication will be made and the patients GP will be notified. Patients will be notified if a return visit to the clinic is necessary. If this is the case, a reminder letter will be sent near the appointment date. After a visit to the clinic, a letter will be sent to the patients GP.

For further information download PDF Leaflet “Your Hospice, Out-Patient Clinics”