The Prince of Wales Hospice Engagement

Between August 2022 and December 2022 Healthwatch Wakefield carried out engagement work for The Prince of Wales Hospice, in order to inform their service planning and delivery . The aim was to increase the number of people in the early stages of a life limiting illness, and their families and carers, who access services and support from The Prince of Wales Hospice. Thirty six people completed an online survey. Following up people who had left their contact details on the survey led to six one-to-one telephone interviews taking place

Almost all respondents had heard of The Prince of Wales Hospice, however, there were many areas of support that people weren’t aware of, particularly outreach, support for families and carers, Lymphoedema clinic, and complementary therapy. Most people were aware of in-patient and bereavement services.

There are a range of reasons why people haven’t been to the hospice and a range of things that may make it difficult for them to access support. The main ones being that they don’t need support at the moment, they haven’t been referred, or it is difficult to get to. A large proportion of people mentioned that open days and more information about services on offer would encourage them to go and have a look around the Hospice.

 Respondents were interested in a wide range of support, in particular support for family and friends, advice on nutrition and exercise, exercise sessions , and advice on planning for the future. Most people prefer to access support and information relating to their illness in person or online. Telephone and written or email information were less popular.

There were a range of responses as to what people might find helpful or might have found helpful in the past. Knowing what is available early on, increased options for people to visit the Hospice, for example, through open days, reducing negative perceptions and also more promotion and information about the support available featured in several responses.  Social media, leaflets, promotion through newsletters, and more information given out by other professionals, such as GPs, were thought to be the best ways to promote the Hospice. Those that had visited the Hospice, as a patient or, for example, attended an open day, were full of praise for the atmosphere, physical environment and support that they had received.