Introducing our palliative care nurse specialists
Our team of seven specialist palliative care nurses brings together over 180 years of experience.
They’ve worked in the community as district nurses, oncology nurses, ward sisters, and for leading hospices – bringing a wealth of knowledge to provide the best care and support.
We’re a charity covering Stafford and surrounding areas, and the care we provide is only possible thanks to donations and community support.
What are palliative care nurses?
Palliative care nurses are specially specially trained professionals who care for people with incurable illnesses.
They focus on what matters most to you, improving quality of life by managing pain, symptoms and offering emotional support to the whole family.
What do palliative care nurses do?
You’ll be supported by a dedicated palliative care nurse who gets to know you and your needs.
They can visit you at home, in the hospice, in the community, or support you over the phone and refer you to other services if required.
Symptom and pain management
If you’re struggling with pain or other symptoms, our nurses can help find the right treatments to make you more comfortable.
Most of our nurses are trained to prescribe medication, so they can often sort out prescriptions quickly to help you get pain relief and medicines you need at home.
Emotional and practical support
Our nurses are here for your emotional wellbeing too, as well as for your loved ones.
They can also help with important practical things, like filling out forms for benefits or blue badges and can refer you to other helpful services such as counselling or wellbeing groups, either through us or external organisations.
Coordinating care
To make things easier for you and your family, our palliative care nurses coordinate with our care staff and other palliative and healthcare services to help continuity of care.
They can also refer you to other helpful services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dieticians as well as our own services including Hospice at Home, wellbeing and specialist support groups and counselling.
Future planning
Thinking about the future can be hard, but it can also be reassuring knowing your voice is heard.
One of the biggest worries people share with us is not knowing what lies ahead or who will be involved in their care.
Our nurses can talk with you about what care you’d like in the future, where you’d prefer to be cared for, and your wishes around treatment.
They can help with documents like Advance Care Plans, ReSPECT forms, or DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) decisions if that’s something you want to explore.
Being there when you need us
We run a palliative care advice line that runs 24/7 all year round.
A palliative care nurse is available every day 9 am – 5 pm to answer questions, offer guidance, and give reassurance to anyone living with an incurable illness, their loved ones and healthcare professionals.
How to get support from palliative care nurses
Who can get support?
Support from our specialist palliative care nurses is for people who have an incurable illness and have one or more of the following:
- Pain related to their illness that’s not being controlled by basic painkillers or standard treatments
- Other physical symptoms that aren’t helped by standard treatment
- Need extra support with planning for their future care
- Are very distressed in a way that seriously affects their daily life, and this is not just a short-term reaction to bad news
- Are nearing the end of life and have complicated care needs or emotional, social, or spiritual difficulties, for themselves or their family, where specialist support would help
Make a referral
Patients and families:
If you or someone you care for needs support, please call our advice line on 01785 270832.
During weekday office hours, our Patient Pathway Team will answer your call, take some details, and pass them on to our palliative care nurses or relevant team.
Calls received during non-office hours will be directed to our regional hospice partners who will give you advice and support until we can get in touch.
Healthcare professionals
If you’re a healthcare professional, please fill out our referral form online.
If you have any questions or need help with the form, you’re very welcome to call our advice line – we’re always happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
How often will I be visited or called by a palliative care nurse?
After each visit, your palliative care nurse will talk with you and your family to agree when the next one should be.
If your condition changes or you need closer monitoring, visits may be more frequent.
Will I be told when the next palliative care nurse visit or call is?
Yes. Your nurse will usually agree the next visit before they leave or end the call, so you and your family know what to expect.
Can I ask for a visit or call from a palliative care nurse sooner?
Yes. If anything changes or you’re worried, you can call our 24/7 advice line: 01785 270832.
Your nurse will try to visit sooner or arrange for another nurse to see you.
You can ask for a time that suits you, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
How long does support from a palliative care nurse last?
Support from our palliative care nurses continues for as long as it’s needed.
If your symptoms are well managed and you’re stable, we may discharge you from regular nurse visits and refer you to our Outpatient service if appropriate.
You can still contact our 24/7 advice line at any time.
What areas do your palliative care nurses cover?
Our palliative care nurses support people registered with all GP practices in Stafford.
Through patient request, we also support people registered in Stone surgeries, Hazeldene surgery and Penkridge surgery.
Care feedback and reviews
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You can read honest, direct feedback from people like you when looking for care for yourself or a loved one.
PCNS team leader nominated for award
Rachel Agar, our PCNS team leader, was nominated by families she cares for and shortlisted for a Staffordshire County Council Dignity in Care award.
Shortlisted as Best UK Employer
Our charity was shortlisted as best UK employer in the Nursing times.