Hospice Isle of Man

Hospice Isle of Man is a registered charity and the only provider of Specialist Palliative Care in the Isle of Man. 

Our aim is to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer and other life threatening illnesses by meeting their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. The underlying principle is to respect and respond to the individual wishes of patients, their families and carers.

Care is provided free of charge for both adults and children.

The team offers individualised care in the hospice, hospital or in the patient’s own home including nursing and residential homes. 

Referrals are accepted from GPs, Hospital Consultants and Specialist Nurses. 

The range of services we provide include: 

12 bedded In-patient Unit (IPU) – the role of the IPU is to provide specialist palliative care to patients who have complex symptoms, require respite care or have chosen Hospice for their End of Life Care. 

Hospice Clinical Team - The Hospice Clinical Team provide 24 hour, 7 day support for all the patient related activities carried out by Hospice Isle of Man. They are all senior doctors and nurses with expertise in palliative care. 

Scholl Centre: Provides therapeutic palliative day care from diagnosis onwards. Patients are invited to spend one day a week and share experiences with others facing similar situations.   

The Scholl Centre contains accommodation for therapeutic massage, manicure, hairdressing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, lymphoedema, relaxation and exercise services.  Diversional therapies consisting of creative art, silk painting, felting, therapeutic horticulture and a social programme including outside speakers are also provided. 

Complementary Therapies: Patients can experience a range of therapies as out-patients, whilst attending the Scholl Centre, and during their stay as an in-patient. These include acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, relaxation, hypnotherapy, counselling and more. Therapies are also available for anxious or bereaved relatives and carers. 

Physiotherapy:  The aim of physiotherapy is to maximise mobility and to maintain functional independence.  By helping to relieve physical symptoms resulting from life-limiting illness, the physiotherapist plays an important role in helping to improve the quality of life for patients. 

Treatment is planned following a comprehensive assessment aimed at achieving patient-led goals. As the illness progresses the physiotherapist supports the individual by adapting treatments to suit their changing needs.  

Occupational Therapy:  The aim of Occupational Therapy is to maintain and, where possible, increase a patient’s independence in everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, eating and domestic activities.  This is achieved through retraining and by the use of specialist equipment.  Creative and therapeutic activities adapted to the individual’s abilities are also used to improve a patient’s quality of life. 

Rehabilitation:  The Rehabilitation Service at Hospice Isle of Man consists of an Occupational Therapist, a Physiotherapist and a Rehabilitation Support Worker.  This service provides rehabilitation in the in-patient unit, the day therapy unit and in the community.  

In addition it offers: 

• Breatheasy Programme
• Fatigue Management Programme
• Stress Management programme
• Acupuncture Clinic    

Lymphoedema:  The lymphoedema service treats patients with secondary lymphoedema due to cancer and the side effects of its treatment. 

Social Worker:  The role of the social worker is to provide patients, families and carers with financial, practical and emotional support. 

The Chaplaincy Team offer, for those who wish, spiritual care and support to all patients, families, carers and staff regardless of their faith, religion, or beliefs. 

Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialists visit patients at home and give advice on management of pain and other distressing symptoms. They also provide information and psychological support and education to patients, families, carers and other professionals. 

Hospice at Home:  Nursing care is provided to enable patients to remain and die at home if that is their preference, prevent crisis admission into the hospice In Patient Unit (IPU) or hospital and give respite care for carers. Care can be provided during the daytime and/or overnight, depending on the patient and carer’s needs. 

Rebecca House Children’s Hospice provides palliative care for children with life-threatening or life limiting conditions. Rebecca House provides day care, overnight stays, end of life care and an outreach nursing service for children who wish to remain at home at the end of life. 

Hospice Counsellor offers counselling and support to patients and their families throughout the illness.  Counselling can be arranged at the Hospice or in own homes.  Hospice Counsellor encourages people to talk and share any difficulties or anxieties they may be experiencing. This service also supports staff and volunteers working within the Hospice. 

Bereavement Support:  Not everyone needs bereavement help. The support from the Hospice, however, does not stop once a loved one has died; it simply extends itself to family and friends and aims to help them adjust to a new way of living.  Help can be given either on a one-to-one basis or in a group.  Bereavement visitors may also offer counselling in people’s own home. 

Education: Hospice Isle of Man leads the way in palliative care education.  It supports the continued professional development of its staff and provides education and training for all those concerned with delivering high quality palliative care on the island. 

Fundraising Team: The team is totally focused and driven with one core aim – raising over £3.5 million a year. That is £10,000 a day, £70,000 a week! These funds are raised through events, general donations, membership, regular giving, in memoriam donations and through legacies. The team work hard to keep everything they do ‘fresh’ and appealing – their motto is fundraising should be ‘fun’. 

Support Services: The Support Service team are responsible for the running of the Hospice building, its maintenance, cleaning and catering facilities. In addition the Support Services Manager and her deputy fulfil the HR function in the Hospice. 

Finance Team: The Finance Team are responsible for ensuring all finance functions are carried out according to the Finance Policy of the Charity, which is agreed by the Board of Governors.  The Finance Manager is responsible for producing clear management accounts for the Finance Committee and the Board of Governors and works closely with the Chief Executive on financial performance against the annual budget. 

Administration Team: The Secretariat/Administration team provide the office support to all teams that is necessary for Hospice to run smoothly and effectively. 

Volunteer Department: The volunteer service manager and volunteer co-ordinator are the linchpin for the 700 volunteers who provide invaluable support to Hospice in all areas.