At North London Hospice we know that many patients want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, surrounded by their family, carers and friends. We want to help our patients live life to the full, to treat people as individuals and respect their personal beliefs, lifestyle and culture.
Our community teams
North London Hospice has two highly qualified teams of healthcare specialists who support patients and their families in Barnet and Haringey (Finchley team) and Enfield (Enfield team). Our teams work in tandem with local GPs, hospitals and district nurses to provide the best care possible.
Our community nurse specialists can advise on pain management and discuss treatment of other problematic symptoms. They also offer support through treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and can help with any additional concerns that patients, carers or families have.
Our social workers give information about housing and financial matters if needed and will be available to help the family and patient through tough times.
We can also organise respite for carers - our trained volunteers support patients at home, allowing carers to take a few hours break. We may also be able to help with requests for transport to outpatient appointments.
A member of the community nursing team is available between 9am and 5pm seven days a week. There is also an out of hours telephone service so you can speak to someone at any time if you need to.
How can the community team be accessed?
If you feel you or someone you care for would benefit from receiving help from our community team you can call the Hospice Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm on 020 8343 8841 for details or you can ask your GP, social worker or district nurse etc to speak to us for you.
A referral form will need to be completed - anyone can do this although it is preferable if it is done by a medical professional as we require details of your medical records. Healthcare professionals can also use the North London Palliative Care Referral form. Please also see the contact us page for Hospice phone numbers.
Palliative Care Support Service (PCSS)
Our Palliative Care Support Service (PCSS) can provide short-term hands-on care at home by specially trained nurses and health care assistants. This service can be accessed via the District Nursing Service in Barnet and the Continuing Health Care Service in Enfield. It is available to people over 18 years of age, who are at the later stages of their illness. The purpose is to help prevent hospital admission, support families in a crisis and to allow patients to reamin at home to die if that is their choice. Requests for care can be responded to quickly and flexibly and can be adapted to the changing needs of patients and families.
The service is supported by a 24-hour advice line provided by the Hospice and the GP and District Nursing Service's out-of-hours arrangements. PCSS nursing staff work in collaboration with the District Nursing Service and the care ranges from hands on nursing care, administration of drugs and practical support.
The level of nursing care and practical support rqeuired determines how the care is provided, whether by a health care assistant or registered nurse. PCSS volunteers are also part of the service. Their role is to provide additional practical support to patients in their homes, giving families and carers the opportunity to have some time of their own. They can also visit people who have arrived home from hospital and need help with practical tasks.
If you would like more details, please contact the Triage team on 020 8343 8841.
