Weldmar’s Specialist Hospice at Home Service
Your first contact with Weldmar Hospicecare is likely to be with a nurse from your local Weldmar Specialist Hospice at Home Hub, once you have been referred from your GP or healthcare professional.
They will visit you at home to discuss your needs and the best way forward – the care we provide is as individual as you.
Back to 'Our Services'We have teams at hubs based in the north, south, and west of Dorset. They are made up of Weldmar Community Nurses, Community Nurse Specialists and Assistant Practitioners, as well as Health Care Assistants.
All of our nurses are experienced in the complex symptoms and problems that life limiting illness and its treatment can bring. They are here to support both patients and families, and are happy to discuss any anxieties you may have regarding your illness, offer advice on how to best manage your symptoms, and do what they can to make you feel comfortable.
Those providing your care will be liaising regularly with the consultants and other specialist areas in Weldmar, so they can arrange a visit from one of our doctors or a physiotherapist, for example. Each team also has close links to local GPs, district nurses, and community hospitals.
Our Health Care Assistants provide care to people with advanced illness at home. They aim to keep patients comfortable as well as assisting and supporting those important to them.
We will talk to you about your needs and the care and support that you might find helpful. As well as visiting you at home, contact may be made by phone call or video call, and will be from the most appropriate member of the team, depending on your needs and circumstances.
Each hub provides support and care from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Common Questions
Does Weldmar offer care packages?
Weldmar do not deliver Continuing Health Care funded packages of care. These are provided by care agencies; however, our team will provide some ad hoc care when we have capacity to do so.
Does the Specialist Hospice at Home hub operate around the clock?
Don’t worry – you will have care from Weldmar as and when you need it.
Generally, our Specialist Hospice at Home hubs operate Monday to Friday, 9-5am. However, a number of Weldmar healthcare assistants work during the day at weekends and bank holidays for current Weldmar patients. This is provided as necessary, and based on an individual’s needs.
Our 24 Hour Advice Line is available for you to get the help and advice you need at any time of the day or night. You’ll find the number in your Patient Information Pack.
Do you communicate with other professionals or agencies involved in my care?
Your Weldmar health care professionals liaise closely – with your consent and as required – with other healthcare professionals known to you such as GPs, consultants , clinical nurse specialists, and members of community rehabilitation teams. This helps to make sure you are getting the most appropriate care when you need it.
Please speak to a member of our team if you would like to know more or have any concerns.
How often will I be seen by a member of the Specialist Hospice at Home team?
You will be seen or contacted by the most appropriate member of the team based on your individual requirements.
We want you to feel fully supported, so please don’t hesitate to contact us whenever you have any concerns – your calls are always welcome. Please see your Patient Information Pack for the contact details you need.
Weldmar encourages self reporting of symptoms, which can be done using an app called Airmid. Please discuss this with a member of your team for further information.
Will I have to go to the hospice for my last days?
If you are in the care of your local Weldmar Specialist Hospice at Home Service, they will be able to have conversations with you about where you wish to be cared for towards the end of life, which could be our hospice. Many people choose to stay at home with their family. If this is your choice, speak to a member of the team.
You can find lots of useful information about planning for your future care in our Advance Care Planning Hub.
Can I refer myself and ask for a visit from one of your nurses?
We can only accept referrals from your GP, or the health 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.
Do you use ‘Macmillan’ nurses?
No, we do not use Macmillan nurses. Macmillan is a very separate charity to Weldmar, and do not have community specialist palliative care nurses working in West Dorset. Weldmar nurses are equally as highly trained in specialist palliative care and work in a very similar way. Their role will be to visit you at home and offer expert symptom management relating to your illness. They, and other members of the Specialist Hospice at Home team, will be able to support both you and your family through this very difficult time, talk to you about any fears and worries you have for the future and if you wish, help you to plan ahead.
24 Hour Advice Line
As a patient or a loved one in the care of Weldmar Hospicecare, you can be assured that help and advice is always there for you.
All patients will have the number for our 24 hour advice line in their information pack, which they or a family member can call if needed.
Even if you don’t speak to your usual Weldmar Community Nurse or Community Nurse Specialist, the nurse you speak to on the phone will have access to your notes and can provide the help and support you need.
Related Reading
Information for Patients & Families
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Personal stories and latest Weldmar news
Find all of our latest news, developments, and personal stories of those in our care.
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How to donate, fundraise, or support Weldmar
Find out how to make a donation, or visit our Fundraising Hub with details of events, challenges and how we support you to support us. Find out how to leave a gift in your Will or play Your Hospice Lottery.
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