Answers

General Questions

1. Is St Oswald’s part of the NHS?
   St Oswald’s Hospice is an independent, voluntary organisation; a registered charity. We are not part of the NHS, however, we do work closely with NHS colleagues and our Consultants run an Outreach Service in NHS hospitals and Community Trusts.
   
   As a charity our running costs each year now exceed over £6 million. Last year we needed to raise over £4.5 million to ensure our services to local adults and children. Thanks to the enormous generosity of individual donors, schools, donors, schools, companies, groups and trusts, we were able to do that. Statutory authorities also provide and an additional £1.5 million income.
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2. Do you have to pay?
   No, we make no charge for our services, ensuring access to anyone who needs us, irrespective of the financial circumstances of the individual patient. We are a registered charity and rely on voluntary giving, to ensure our essential services.
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3. Is St Oswald’s a depressing place?
   Many visitors to St Oswald’s comment upon the calm, welcoming atmosphere. Staff are professional and friendly. Patients and their visitors are able to relax.
   
   “when my Consultant first suggested referring me to St Oswald’s, I was quite nervous and alarmed due to the stigma attached to hospices, however, when I experienced the Hospice for myself I soon realised that it wasn’t at all what I thought it was going to be like.
   
   “The day hospice is very peaceful, relaxing and always full of laughter. There is no moaning and groaning and illness is rarely mentioned.”
   Day Hospice patient
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4. How are patients referred to St Oswald's?
   Patients are referred to us by their GP, Consultant or Specialist Palliative Care Team. Our region covers Northumberland, Newcastle North Tyneside, Gateshead and North Durham.
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5. Do you just treat people with cancer?
   St Oswald’s provides specialist care for people with life-threatening illness, their families and carers. Many patients do have cancer but last year 13% of patients had non-cancer diseases, primarily Motor Neurone Disease. We also care for those with multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other progressive, life threatening illnesses who may benefit from the expertise of our skilled team of staff.
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6. Is St Oswald’s just a 'place to die'?

   No, At St Oswald's we are committed to quality of life. We provide care from diagnosis onwards whenever specialist palliative care is required to address specific problems.

   Some people do sadly die in St Oswald’s, however, 80% of patients return home after their first visit, having received specialist help and support during their stay. Most people are admitted with the intention of helping them adapt to their illness and return home.

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7. Where can I find you?
   St Oswald's is situated on Regent Avenue, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. We are within a short walking distance from Regent Centre Metro Station and Gosforth High Street, where there is a very regular bus service to and from Newcastle City Centre.
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8. What about other Language Users?
   We aim to provide for all North East people, in need of hospice care. We have information sheets about the work of St Oswald's available in: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
   
   If you'd like a copy please contact Debra Daglish on: 0191 285 0063 or debradaglish@stoswaldsuk.org
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9. Is St Oswald’s just like a hospital?
   No, we have the expertise of a hospital in a very special setting. We try to be very flexible and even allow your pet dog or cat to visit.
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10. How long do patients stay in St Oswald’s?
    Some patients are with us for a matter of days while others stay for several months. However, the majority of patients stay for approximately 3 weeks - reflecting the complexity of conditions many patients have.
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11. Are hospices just for the elderly?
    No. The service is currently available to adults of all ages. We also have a service providing specialist short breaks for children with progressive life shortening conditions. This adjoins the current adult facility and caters for children and young adults from 0-18 years.
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12. Do many children visit patients at St Oswald’s?
    Many patients have children or grandchildren, and we welcome and encourage them to visit. We have a family room where patients with young children can stay together. Toys and videos are always available.
    
    We can also offer emotional support to children. Staff are able to give advice and support to parents and guardians, in helping children and young adults understand what is happening to their loved one who is a patient of the hospice.
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13. Do you have to be religious to be cared for at St Oswald’s?
    No. We provide care for the people of any religious denomination and for those with no particular faith or beliefs.
    
    Spiritual support is offered at St Oswald’s to patients, their relatives, carers and friends. Visiting clergy, elders and spiritual leaders are very welcome to visit. There is no pressure on those patients who do not wish to use these services.
    
    Some people often believe that to work in a hospice you have to have strong religious beliefs; again this is not the case. Our staff have the same mix of beliefs as the patients for whom they care.
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14. Do you do anything else?
    • We offer excellent training and education facilities for hospital and community staff.
    • Our Doctors visit patients at home and in hospital.
    • Our Consultants work in the community developing knowledge and skills in palliative care in local hospitals and general practice groups.
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