We can help youwith every step of your journey. . .

Your only adult hospice in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Care every day for you and your family. . .

We’re not just cancer care. . .

Care in your home. . .

Over 40% of our patients return home after an In Patient stay.

For most of those who haven’t experienced hospice care, the image that comes to mind when faced with the word ‘hospice’ is not always a positive one. Some have the wrong impression about what a hospice can offer, while others believe a number of common myths.

This booklet helps to demystify the Dougie Mac and explain what we do, and how we can help, both at the hospice and also in people’s own homes.

“I didn’t want to be referred, but the hospice really is like finding an oasis in a desert”. A patient visiting the Day Therapy Unit once a week.

The more you know, the more we can help. . .

We support almost 3,000 people and their families every year.Over 40% of our patients return home after an In Patient stay.

Douglas Macmillan Hospice, or The Dougie Mac as we are more commonly known, is your only adult hospice in Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire.

We are a local independent charity providing care and support to local people facing any life limiting illness over the age of 18.

We’ve been caring since 1973, both at the hospice in Blurton and in people’s own homes, but so much of what we do is still a hidden jewel.

We are Dougie Mac. . .

Making patients and families feel cared for is at the heart of everything we do.

When someone hears the devastating news that they have a terminal illness, life as they know it changes forever. Our dedicated staff and volunteers make a huge difference to a patient’s journey, they are central to the care we provide and all we do. We strive to go that extra mile to provide a warm, friendly and peaceful environment.

“You do a wonderful job day and night. I wouldn’t have got through it without you”

A daughter of a patient.

A reassuring environment. . .

We support all illnesses that are no longer curable.Making patients and families feel cared for is at the heart of everything we do.

We provide care free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days. We help people living with cancer and non cancer life limiting illnesses such as advanced heart failure, motor neurone disease and incurable lung diseases.

“Seeing my nan smiling so much during a hard time gives me comfort, your support was so helpful”.

A patient’s granddaughter.

Here for you when facing cancer and a non cancer illness. . .

A variety of services to meet our patients’ needs.

What we do is wide ranging; symptom control, pain relief, therapeutic treatments, psychological support, social and welfare advice, spiritual guidance, respite breaks and more.

Onsite services include a 28 bed Inpatient Unit as well as a new state of the art Day Therapy Unit, a Psychological/Bereavement Service, Outpatient Service and our Community Lodges. The supportive care team in our new Outpatient Unit provide a range of complimentary therapies, relaxation, physiotherapy and exercises.

More than you think. . .

Patients in our care are twice as likely to die in the place of their choice.A variety of services to meet our patients’ needs.

The hospice is committed to developing care closer to home, with a designated specialist nurse who visits patients in their own homes.

We offer advice, guidance, support, help manage distressing symptoms and refer patients to other services. We also enable patients and families to express their fears, anxieties and wishes.

Hospice at Home is a nursing service offered to patients in their final days in the comfort of their own home.

Care closer to home. . .

“We are very grateful for the quality of life he had in his final days, and that he could die with dignity”.

Wherever possible the patient has complete choice how and where they spend this final part of their life. We seek to provide the best quality of life, for each and every patient for whatever time remains.

From our beautiful gardens, to our delicious fresh food, daily spiritual services, a selection of alcohol to enjoy with meals to having pets visit. We really do make difficult days more bearable, help people achieve the things that are most important to them and provide dignity throughout.

The best quality of life for all. . .

We offer a 24 hour advice line for patients and families. Call 01782 344300. “We are very grateful for the quality of life he had in his final days, and that he could die with dignity”.

A referral to the hospice can be made by any health care professional, including GPs, hospital doctors, community nurses and specialist nurses.

Patients are assessed and a programme of care, specific to their needs is provided to manage their symptoms or to provide peaceful terminal care.

Patients, Carers and all healthcare professionals can access our 24/7 advice service. This is also available to people who have not been referred to us but feel they require some advice in relation to a palliative care issue.

Here when you need us. . .

“You transformed my fears into acceptance and peace” A patient cared for in their home.

“I know that the care that I witnessed was not just medical care but was from the heart”. A patient.

“The care we felt was priceless and very reassuring at a very distressing time” . A patient’s mum.

“Not only did you care for my Grandad, but you cared for my family. I can never thank you enough”. A patient’s granddaughter

Don’t just take our word for it.

Priceless care, free of charge. . .

It costs in excess of £30,000 each day to run your local hospice.Don’t just take our word for it.

Last year we cared for almost 3000 people.

We care for over 50% of the local people who face a palliative diagnosis.

We rely on the support of over 900 volunteers.

We rely on over 75% of our funding coming from our local community. People support in a variety of ways – making donations, fundraising, playing our Lottery, shopping and donating goods in our 20 Retail stores and leaving a gift in their will.

Did you know. . .

You can help usto help over 3,000 local people every year. . .

E:post@dmhospice.org.uk W:dmhospice.org.uk T:01782 344304

Fundraising/Donations: 01782 344 304

Retail Stores: 01782 344 339

Volunteering: 01782 344 332

@dougiemacstoke facebook.com/dmhospice

RCN: 1071613