We aim to provide:

• Management of symptoms associated with life limiting illness
• Multi-disciplinary care and services depending on your individual requirements
• Social interaction and a range of interesting activities
• Support of your family, friends and carers
• The provision of complementary therapies by the Sara Lee Trust, an independent charity within St Michael's Hospice.
• Opportunities for carers to gain respite, relieving some of the stresses associated with this role

As a visitor to Day Therapy you can also access a range of additional Hospice services:

• Doctors
• Physiotherapy
•   Social Work
• Chaplaincy 
• Nutritionist

Referrals

If you would like to discuss how a regular visit to Day Therapy could help you, or a family member, please call the team for a chat on 01424 445177

You may also be referred by health professionals (eg. Macmillan or District nurses, or GP).  When attending Day Therapy you will remain under the care of your own GP.  St Michael's Hospice may be able to offer additional services in the form of Hospice at Home, respite care or a short stay in our In-Patient Unit.

The first visit

If the Centre feels appropriate for you or your family member, you will be invited to come on an informal visit.  This gives time to look around, to ask any questions and see how our Day Therapy Centre can best help you and your family.

Joining the centre

You will be invited to attend once a week, with a review on a six monthly basis.  Discharge will be arranged if all your needs are fully satisfied.

Team

The Day Therapy Centre team leader, ably assisted by her team of Healthcare Assistants and Activities Co-ordinator, run the Day Therapy Centre day to day.  The wider team at St Michael's includes our Medical Director, Doctors, Chaplain, Ambulance Drivers and volunteers.  Complementary therapies are provided by the Sara Lee Centre, an independent charity within St Michael's.

Activities available

Day Therapy activities may include:

• Creative therapies - regular visits from local experts in a wide range of craft projects including decorative artwork, silk scarf printing and glass painting.
•   Complementary therapies including aromatherapy and reflexology.
  
• Other activities including talks, quizzes, musical entertainments and seated exercise.

Getting to day therapy

You will be encouraged to arrange your own transport to Day Therapy.  Alternatively, we may be able to provide a volunteer driver, or, for wheelchair users, our own ambulance.

Meals

A balanced, nutritious lunch is provided to all attending Day Therapy.  Vegetarian or lighter options are always available, with attention paid to specific dietary requirements.  Lunch is served at 12 midday.  All meals and refreshments are provided free of charge, although donations are welcomed.

Morning coffee and afternoon tea are provided to all within Day Therapy.

For more information on the meals available please see catering 

Chapel

We provide support for people of all faiths.   Regular services also take place in our beautiful chapel.  Alternatively personal visits from our chaplaincy team can be arranged.

Smoking

The Hospice is a smoke free zone.

Due to recent legislation, we now have a no-smoking policy throughout the Hospice.  A smoking shelter is provided for use by patients and their families in the garden.  We would ask you not to smoke anywhere else in the grounds.