Contact Weldmar Hospicecare
How can we help you today?
You might find what you need in these commonly asked questions, but if you’d like to get in touch with additional questions or comments, there are further options below.
Common Questions
I have items to donate to your charity shops – will you collect them?
Thank you for supporting Weldmar Hospicecare by donating items for our charity shops! We really appreciate it.
Our charity shops do not make collections or deliveries, but our larger outlets do collect larger items such as furniture free of charge in their surrounding areas – these are based in Weymouth, Dorchester (who will collect/deliver from across the west of Dorset), Blandford, and Shaftesbury.
Our outlets will also deliver items, but there is a small charge for this service.
If you would like to enquire about delivery or collection, please contact your nearest Weldmar Outlet.
What items do you take in your charity shops and outlets – and what can I not donate?
Thank you for considering Weldmar Hospicecare as the charity to donate your items to.
We welcome any donations of good quality items – there are only a few things we cannot take.
If you would like to check whether we will accept certain items before bringing them in, please contact your nearest Weldmar charity shop or outlet, who will be more than happy to help.
The whole area of recycling has changed for all charities. We can no longer dispose of any broken, damaged or unsaleable items. We no longer have anywhere to recycle these goods and, in fact, have to PAY to have them taken away. We are, therefore, having to be more restrictive on what donations we can accept.
Please do not donate the following:
- Broken or Chipped China & Glassware
- Broken or Incomplete Toys / Games
- Soiled or Damaged Linens / Curtains
- Soiled or Damaged Clothing
- Standalone Computers /Monitors
- Electric Blankets
- Cookers and gas bottles
- All Crash Helmets
- All VHS videos, or pirate/personal DVDs /CDs
I would like to volunteer – what do I do?
Firstly, thank you! We couldn’t do what we do without the help and expertise of volunteers. You might like to help out in one of our shops, on reception at our Inpatient Unit, at a fundraising event, or driving patients to appointments.
You can find more about becoming part of Team Weldmar here, including the current vacancies we are looking to fill with volunteers.
Even if you don’t see an opportunity there that suits you, there is a form to fill in to tell us more about what you would like to do, and we’ll be in touch.
Can I refer myself and ask for a visit from one of your nurses?
If you feel this would be appropriate, you would need to talk to either your GP or health care professional involved in your care. If they feel that you meet the criteria for a referral to us, then they can complete a referral form for you. We are not able to accept a self referral.
How often will I be seen at home by my Weldmar Community Nurse?
Everyone’s needs are different. Following each consultation, your Weldmar Community Nurse will agree with you the date and time of the next visit. This will be dependent on any difficulties or issues you are facing at that time. Whilst they will visit you at home, sometimes interim assessments are carried out by telephone or Skype consultations.
How long will I stay at the Inpatient Unit?
The length of your stay at the Inpatient Unit can vary: patients may be admitted for specialist symptom management, or for end of life care.
The average length of stay for patients admitted for symptom control is two weeks, however this is determined by individual need.
The Inpatient Unit does not offer long term care.
If it is not possible for you to be looked after at home and you do not need to be in our specialist unit, we may need to discuss discharge to alternative care setting such as a nursing home.
Any plans for discharge will be discussed in collaboration with you and those important to you.
What is the visitor policy at your Inpatient Unit?
As part of our visitor policy, patients can welcome their close family and friends to visit them whilst they are staying at the Inpatient Unit.
Although we have open visiting, we would ask that visitors liaise with each other to ensure that patients have time to rest. We ask that all visitors report to reception on arrival.
In the interest of safety, the main doors are locked out of hours. To gain access, we ask that you press the side door buzzer if visiting out of hours.
We are able to offer overnight stays for close family in exceptional circumstances.
Face coverings are optional for all visitors. If you would prefer to wear one during your visit, they are freely available at Reception.
We politely ask that if you are not feeling well, please do not visit. Visitors who have recently been unwell, particularly with coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea, are requested not to visit until symptom-free for 48 hours.
Free parking is available – please see reception for a parking permit.
If you have further questions, please speak to the Inpatient Unit for guidance – prior to visiting – on 01305 215300.
Will I have to go to the hospice for my last days?
If you are being seen by one of our Weldmar Community Nurse Specialists, they will be able to have conversations with you about where you wish to be cared for towards the end of life. The majority of people choose to stay at home with their family. If this is your choice, then your Weldmar Nurse will help to coordinate this with our Weldmar at Home team to ensure that your needs are met, and help you to remain comfortably at home.
What care does Weldmar at Home provide?
The care provided by Weldmar at Home will vary from patient to patient, to fit in with their needs and requirements. Some people tell us that they value care overnight so that their family can rest. Others tell us that they would like a little bit of help during the day for example with washing, dressing or changing the bed sheets. We don’t do domestic chores such as housework or shopping, but can be there to be with the patient whilst other family members do those chores, if needed.
How do I change my contact preferences with you?
We like to make it as straightforward as possible to change the way that we contact you as a supporter of Weldmar Hospicecare. Please fill out this form if you would like to change how we contact you, or end communication.
You can also read our privacy policy.
How do I make a complaint?
All Weldmar staff are here to help you, and are pleased to receive any ideas, comments, or suggestions you may have for improving our services.
We are also anxious to hear if you are unhappy about any aspect of our services so we can make improvements.
When a matter is raised, we will try to deal with it promptly.
If you would like to make a complaint, please read our complaints procedure.
Get in touch
Email Us
Please be aware that your message will be sent to our Marketing team, who will be able to pass it onto the relevant department or member of staff as appropriate. We also cannot provide any information about the people we care for (past or present), as this is strictly confidential.
Our Locations
North Dorset Office
Sturminster Newton Medical Centre
Old Market Hill
Sturminster Newton
Dorset
DT10 1QU
