Day Care

Day Care is run five days a week and offers you the opportunity of a pleasant day out, while giving your carers at home time to themselves. Lunch and tea are provided, with specialist dietary requirements catered for. You can take part in various activities including:

• stimulating creative workshops
• concerts and visits from celebrities and visiting speakers
• afternoon trips and short day excursions
• manicure
• chiropody
• hairdressing
• If you wish, to talk about your illness, treatment and aspects of care
• Some fresh approaches to care (eg complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage and reflexology, and reiki treatments)
• To have a look at the facilities, including the ward area

Day Care produces a quarterly newsletter with reports on past events, future projects and activities, and contains many contributions from patients.

How do you get to come to Day Care?
Referrals are made by community palliative care nurses (whom you see at home), by our consultants or by a member of CMH's multidisciplinary team, in consultation with your GP.

On referral, we will offer you an initial four month attendance at Day Care, with a review at the end. Your carer is most welcome to attend with you on your first day, to learn more about Day Care and meet staff.

At review, in consultation with you and those involved with your care, we may consider other care options, or a further four months with us. If your needs have been met, we may together think about discharge, with the option of re-referral if necessary.

Occasionally there can be a small waiting list before starting Day Care. There is no charge to patients or carers for Day Care.

All patients need to bring their medications with them to Day Care.

Where is Day Care?
We meet in the Day Care Centre adjacent to the main inpatient unit at CMH, where we have our own facilities.

Volunteer transport (free of charge) can be arranged for you each week. We have a specialist taxi available for patients unable to travel by car.

Who are we?
The Day Care team consists of a day care leader, activities organiser, nursing staff and a host of volunteers. We are also joined by complementary therapists, members of the Red Cross and a chiropodist.

Please note: Day Care operates a no-smoking policy (a smoking area can be found on the main ward at CMH).

The Creative Arts Group
This group is an integral part of the Day Care Centre's programme. It meets on a Thursday morning from 10am - 12noon, followed by lunch. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming and you need no previous experience in any area of arts - we are all learning!

The group has been running for two years and has proved popular with people, who have enjoyed the opportunity to meet others, work together with both professional and amateur artists, and explore different art forms, such as printmaking, drawing, water-colours, paper-making and ceramics.

Art equipment and materials are provided. However you are most welcome to bring your own work if you wish.

Designs by members of the group have been combined to produce a textile hanging, which hangs within the Day Centre, and mounted and framed art work enlivens the walls of all areas of the Unit.

Volunteer transport is provided as for other sessions, and members of staff and volunteers look forward to you joining them, sharing creativity, discovering unknown talents and above all having fun!

British Red Cross therapeutic care
You are offered a 30 - 40 minute session consisting of nail-shaping; hand and arm massage using hand cream; followed by a neck and shoulder massage given through clothing.

This is a soothing, relaxing and enjoyable experience providing comfort and a chance to talk to a caring person who has time to listen.

This service is given by Red Cross volunteers and there is no charge, although small donations are always appreciated.

Complementary therapy
Complementary therapy is increasingly being used as a method of supporting people with cancer. It aims to enhance quality of life by providing symptomatic relief of stress, anxiety and tension and promoting general well-being. Therapies on offer include:

- Aromatherapy and massage
- Reflexology
- Reiki treatments 

Chiropody
We offer a monthly chiropody service.

During your attendance at Day Care we can also refer you to other services if we feel there is a need. These could include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, our social workers, and our chaplains.