Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has launched two new Satellite Clinics to ensure more people living across Birmingham and Sandwell have access to crucial hospice care.
The independent hospice has now opened a clinic at Cape Hill Medical Centre in Smethwick and Druids Heath Surgery in South Birmingham, making its services more accessible to individuals and families living with terminal illness.
The Satellite Clinics are part of a new approach to hospice care, aimed at improving accessibility, reach and choice for individuals and their families, loved ones and carers. By opening clinics in well-established medical centres, the Hospice aims to bring care closer to people in their own communities, helping to break down any potential barriers and ensuring more individuals are receiving the critical support they need.
The Hospice now has four Satellite Clinics across the city, with clinics also based in Sparkbrook and Bartley Green which opened in August last year.
Sharon Hudson, community team leader at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Our Satellite Clinics are a really effective way of reaching more individuals who may not be aware of hospice care or want to access care within their own community. After a positive start for our Sparkbrook and Bartley Green clinics, we have seen that offering services in the heart of local communities helps us support more people, ensuring that less miss out on vital end of life care.
“At our Satellite Clinics, we have expert teams of clinical nurse specialists who can provide a wide range of services, including physical, social and psychological advice, symptom management, and family and carer support.”
Tina Swani, chief executive at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Unfortunately, there are too many individuals dying alone, unsupported or with avoidable symptoms, unaware of the difference hospice care could offer them. At Birmingham St Mary’s, our mission is to provide hospice care for all and we are working to create a future where the best experience of living is available to everyone leading up to and at the end of life.
“Our Satellite Clinics are an innovative solution to expand expert services into more local communities, helping us to bring hospice care closer to the people who need it.”
Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell – whether that’s at the Hospice, in people’s homes or in the local community.
The clinic at Cape Hill Medical Centre will be open every Friday, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. The clinic at Druids Heath Surgery will be open every Monday, from 1pm to 3pm. For more information, visit: www.birminghamhospice.org.uk
