Specialist Palliative Care/End of Life Care Service (GP information)

Introduction

This service provides specialist palliative care advice and support on the basis of need, regardless of the patient’s diagnosis. This is facilitated through symptom control, psychological, social and spiritual support, referring on to other professionals or services where appropriate. This is available either by face to face contact or by telephone advice.

Referral Process

Referrals are accepted from the hospital team managing the patient and should be requested by using the ICE system.

Procedures Provided

Holistic assessment
Symptom management
Psychological assessment and support
End of life care support and advice
Advice and support to medical teams
Education and training

Clinics

Service is available Monday to Friday 08.00-18.00 based within the Macmillan Unit.

Out of hours advice is available including weekends from the palliative care advice line based at Keech Hospice; this includes telephone advice and face to face assessment.

Patient Information Leaflets

Clinicians - Consultants/Specialist Nurses

Bedford Hospital

Specialist Palliative Care/End of Life Care Service

Dr PennyMcNamara Consultant in palliative Medicine

DrTejalShah Consultant Palliative Medicine

DrPennyMcNamara Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Luton & Dunstable University Hospital

Specialist Palliative Care/End of Life Care Service

TaniaPerry Macmillan Palliative Clinical Nurse Specialist

DrNicholas Herodotou Palliative Medicine Consultant

ClaireBunday Macmillan Palliative Clinical Nurse Specialist

Useful Contacts

Luton & Dunstable University Hospital

Outpatients booking department: 01582 561385

PALS (for patient specific enquiries) 01582 491 166
PALS@ldh.nhs.uk

Bleep Numbers: 492/269

Direct line number: 01582 497522

Switchboard 01582 491166