F.A.Q.s

Q - What is a specialist palliative care nurse (also known as a Macmillan Nurse)?

A - A specialist palliative care nurse is a nurse who, in addition to completing basic training, has gone on to specialise in a particular area. This process of specialisation involves acquiring in–depth experience and training in the specialist area (and often acquisition of specialist qualifications). Macmillan nurses are clinical nurse specialists in palliative care who are employed in a post that has been initially funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and then by the National Health Service (NHS). In any particular setting, there is very little difference.

Q - What is supportive care?

A - Supportive care is the help that is provided to people with life threatening illnesses and their carers throughout the patient pathway that helps them cope with the diseases and the treatment they receive. This may include self help and support groups, social support, rehabilitation and palliative care.

Q - Who can provide palliative care?

A - A wide range of services and organisations are involved in delivering supportive and palliative care services locally (see Useful Website Links).

Q - What can the specialist palliative care teams offer?

A - Our Specialist Teams aim to help and support in a range of ways. Including:

• Advice on pain control and the management of any other physical problems you may experience
• Emotional support and the opportunity to discuss concerns or questions you may have relating to your illness or treatment
• Support for your family and friends
• Information relating to your condition, its treatment and any additional support available to you
• Medical outpatients and nurse led clinic

Q - How do I access palliative care services in the area?

A - For patients in the community, your own GP and District Nurse will often be the first contact. They will undertake the initial assessments and refer you to other services if needed. For inpatients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, your ward nursing and medical teams would be your first point of contact.

Q - What are the visiting times at Priscilla Bacon Lodge (in-patients)?

A - Visiting hours are 10.30 - 12.00 noon and 15.00 - 20.00
Visiting hours start at 10.30 but all patients have a protected lunchtime period and a rest after lunch which means visiting does not recommence until 15.00. However the service is not inflexible. If you have any concerns or problems re visiting please speak with the patients named nurse.

Note - Due to Fire and Safety Regulations, when visiting, you will be asked to sign in when you visit, and also sign out when you leave.

Q - Can children visit?

A - Of course! We welcome all family members and friends. At difficult times, families are often uncertain how to talk to their children. Many of the team at the centre have specific training in how best to talk to children about their issues and concerns and help their families to support them.

Q - Is there any visitor parking on site?

A - Parking space is limited on site although it is free to anyone visiting the Centre or their loved ones.  Please understand that many areas of the site need emergency and wheelchair access and be courteous when parking to avoid any possible problems.

If your car is on site, we will ask for your registration number as you may be asked to move it to accommodate delivery or other essential vehicles.

Q - Will I be able to get out into the fresh air?

A - We have extensive and beautiful grounds and gardens which we want our patients, their families and staff to fully enjoy whenever they can.  If you are an inpatient and are unsure about using the grounds, please feel free to ask one of your nursing staff.

Q - Is The Priscilla Bacon Centre a sad place?

A - There are sad times at the centre.  However, most people who visit or stay at the unit find that there is a cheerful, warm, relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

Q - How do the staff cope?

A - Our philosophy at the Priscilla Bacon Centre is to support and continually develop our staff. We understand that it can be a stressful or upsetting to work closely with patients and their families. All staff have regular individual or group support as well as the support and help of their friends and colleagues.

Q - Is smoking allowed on the site?

A - No, as with most NHS sites and hospitals etc. the site is designated as smoke free. If you require help with the withdrawal symptoms of smoking, please discuss this with one of the nurses or your doctor. Visitors are also requested not to smoke and to support the Centre policy (see Useful Website Links).