Eileen’s Story
Through the dedicated care of Community Nurse Ralph and the team at St Margaret’s, Eileen has found comfort, dignity, and joy within hospice care —culminating in the fulfilment of her final wish, to dance again.
Community Nursing
95% of our patients are cared for in their home or in the community.
Most patients under the care of St Margaret’s Hospice wish to remain in their own homes, supported by our extensive community services without coming into the hospice. Our five community palliative care teams support patients across Somerset, bringing the benefits of hospice care to those who can remain at home. This is a multi-disciplinary team approach, focusing on the person and their individual needs.
From first asking for help, the team were very quick to visit, to assess and to provide me with aids, support and advice. Each visit is followed up by phone. For the first time in the year after my terminal diagnosis, my husband and I felt we were no longer doing it on our own. I did not even know that I needed the aids and discovered that not only did they make managing easier, but I was very surprised to find they also saved me 50% of my scarce energy on each task. Most of all each person who visited was priceless in explaining to me how to cope and about my condition and problems.”What to expect from the Community Nursing Team
Referral criteria and guidance
Please find more information on our Referral Criteria and Guidance for St Margaret's Hospice Care.
Stories of Community Care
Ian & Yvonne’s Story
Our community team helped Ian to stay at home for as long as possible, managing his medication, training Yvonne on delivering pain relief, and providing emotional support.
Jackie & Kim’s Story
“When Ralph comes over, I really enjoy chatting to him, he makes me smile. He helps me with whatever I need and talking to him helps to take my mind off my illness. It makes me feel like I am talking to a friend.”
Lynda’s Story
“When David came home, a Community Nurse called Angie from St Margaret’s came to visit him just a day or two later. It was like nectar from heaven; help was here.”
Michael & Ann’s Story
“The thing I love about Ralph is that he’s never in a hurry. He’s relaxed when he comes in to see us, and always has time to sit and talk to us. He’s taken the time to get to know us, and always gives as much time is needed to make sure Michael has everything he needs.”
Sandra’s Story
“If I need anything at home, they’re there – whether that’s someone at the end of their adviceline to get help from, or a nurse to pop over to check I’m OK – nothing is ever too much.”