If you are thinking that you or your loved one could benefit from the services Fair Havens Hospice provides, you may be feeling apprehensive and have some questions. We have done our best to answer some of these questions.
However, if you would like to speak to the Care Team in confidence please call 01702 344879.
What is Fair Havens Hospice?
Fair Havens is part of Havens Hospices, which also includes our children’s hospice Little Havens. We are a charity which provides care for adults who have life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.
Our In Patient Unit and Day Care Centre are based in Westcliff, right near the seafront, but care for adults in their own home too through Community Macmillan Nurses, Fair Havens Hospice at Home and Family Support Team.
We provide care 24/7 all year and this care comes in various different forms; respite breaks (short breaks), symptom control, end of life care, Day Care, family and carer events (such as complementary therapy sessions and parties), telephone advice, pre and post bereavement care.
What is it like there?
Fair Havens Hospice is based within two converted houses on Chalkwell Avenue in Westcliff just a few minutes walk from the seafront and five minutes drive from the A127 and A13. We pride ourselves on our informal and relaxed atmosphere as the building is designed to be a “home from home.”
So there is a lovely kitchen where home-cooked meals are served every day, lounge areas and a beautiful landscaped garden. For those who want some peace and quiet there is a Chapel and private lounge area.
There are ten patient bedrooms, recently refurbished to ensure they are of the highest quality but still welcoming and comfortable for patients and families. Each bedroom has its own en-suite shower and ceiling hoist. There are four bedrooms on the ground floor and six upstairs which are accessible via a stair lift.
Who can use Fair Havens?
The services of Fair Havens Hospice can provide care for people with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. For example cancer, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinsons, cardiac disease, Muscular Dystrophy and neurological conditions. We can care for patients from the age of 19 who live in Southend, Castle Point or Rochford. There are a range of services that we offer to help you throughout your illness, for example respite breaks in the hospice or in your own home, symptom management, Day Care and end of life care. Fair Havens Hospice also has a Supportive Care Team which offers support to patients and their families for as long as it is needed.
What happens at Fair Havens?
At our In-Patient Unit you will be cared for by a team of specialist staff who will assess your needs and plan your care accordingly. You will be visited by a doctor every day. There is also the opportunity to visit our Day Care centre and take part in the activities there. Complementary therapies such as massage can be provided on request.
Your family and friends will be able to visit you and spend as much time with you as you wish. In our Day Care Centre you will also be cared for by a team of specialist staff and will also have the opportunity to see a doctor should you require. Day Care offers a wide range of activities such as craft, music, games, complementary therapies etc. You can request to have a bath or have your hair done and lunch is provided.
Who cares for patients at Fair Havens?
We have a multi-disciplinary team which means the Care Team has a mixture of skills and qualifications. At the In-Patient Unit and in the Day Care Centre we wear blue uniforms and hope that this makes you feel as comfortable as possible. We also wear name badges. Our team is made up of: Nurses, Doctors, Diversional Therapist, Chefs, Chaplains, Family Support Workers, Social Worker, Counsellors and volunteers.
Is there a charge for the services?
No. You will never be charged for any services we provide. All of our care is free. This is possible because, as a charity, our supporters make kind donations which are gratefully accepted.
What do families need to bring with them?
All meals and activities are provided free of charge, as well as our care. We will also provide all bedding, sheets, towels etc. Please bring with you all of your personal belongings, clothes and toiletries that you might need during your stay. You will need to bring all of your medication and any special equipment you may need such as wheelchair, mobility equipment etc. Please note that if you wish to bring any electrical equipment other that for medical use you must make the Care Team aware.
What do other people think about Fair Havens? Here are just a few comments from patients and families who are using the hospice:
“Fair Havens has been there, alongside us giving support. Just knowing they are there is a comfort.”
“I think if Fair Havens wasn’t here my way of life would have been limited. I don’t know what I would have done without the help and support of Fair Havens.”
“I have not regretted one day of visiting Fair Havens Day Care. It is a tower of strength for me. The camaraderie is brilliant. I can joke about my illness and I’m not questioned when I have angry days. The doctors and specialists can explain how to deal with certain symptoms, and I get professional counselling here.”
“I am cared for the minute I leave the front door by the volunteer driver, right up until the point I am dropped off. And there is always someone at the other end of the telephone if I need advice.”
“If Fair Havens hadn’t been there for us, I can’t imagine what it would have been like or how we would have coped. The hospice was incredible. Dad got the kind of care at Fair Havens that we wouldn’t have been able to pay for and that was absolutely amazing.”
How can I be referred and what happens after I have been referred?
Stays in the Fair Havens In-Patient Unit have to be booked through one of the health professionals involved in your care. This might be your District Nurse, GP, hospital staff or social worker. They need to complete one of our referral forms and send it to us.
Your name and details will then be added to our waiting list and we will discuss you at our daily referrals meeting. When a suitable bed is available we will contact you and arrange for you to be admitted.
Day Care is booked in the same way using the same referral form. If one of your health professionals thinks that our Community Macmillan Palliative Care Team or Hospice at Home Team can be of benefit to you, then they will make a referral directly to that team. You will then be contacted by one of the staff from that team. If you would like to know more then please contact us and we will advise you.
How do I contact the hospice?
You can call us on 01702 344879. If your question is not urgent you can e-mail the Care Team at nurses@havenshospices.org.uk
Our postal address is 124/126 Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 8HN.
