Thanks to funding from Macmillan cancer support we are now able to offer a new service which provides early palliative intervention care (EPIC) across Hambleton and Richmondshire.
By providing early intervention the team can spot problems before they escalate into something bigger, improving quality of life and potentially avoiding hospital admissions.
They also ensure the patients’ wishes have been communicated and that any required support is in place.
EPIC will start by offering services to those with upper GI, colorectal and skin cancers, but will open up to other tumour groups as the service develops.
What we can do
Choice of care discussions taking place and communicated to relevant health professionals
Honest conversations around dying and bereavement
Medication concordance
Identify clinical need and liaise with relevant professionals to try and assist
Connecting to community services
Manage and prevent any adverse side effects from cancer treatment or disease
Personalised care and support planning
Sign posting to services to aid with finance, housing and social situation
Emotional support for patients and families and time to discuss concerns
Symptom management
Referral criteria
As long as the patient:
- Has a diagnosis of upper GI, colorectal, lung or skin cancer (does not need to be a primary)
- Has agreed to referral been made into EPIC team
- Has a palliative cancer diagnosis
- Lives in Hambleton and Richmondshire area
To make a referral all you have to do is call 01609 764449 or send an email to [email protected] and give the patient’s name, DOB and contact number.
What will patients receive?
- All referrals will be contacted within five working days.
- A holistic assessment will be completed at the first meeting and reassessment will occur to review impact and to identify new needs.
- Once the patient is accepted into the service, need will be reviewed and monitored as appropriate.
- A palliative service that patients can contact for advice and support.
Contact us
- Natalie Whitwham – Early palliative intervention nurse
- Kimberley Almond – Cancer care coordinator
Early palliative intervention service
Specialist palliative care team
First floor
Friarage Hospital
Northallerton
DL6 1JG