Making a referral

We offer specialised care for people aged 18 and over who are living with a terminal illness. We also support their families, carers and friends. Most of our referrals come from GPs and hospital and community-based healthcare professionals. Individuals can refer themselves or have a family member or loved one do it for them with their consent.

Heart of Kent Hospice clinical colleagues standing in the Inpatient Unit reception.
Heart of Kent Hospice community Team

We ensure our patients and their loved ones receive outstanding compassionate care every day, whether in the Hospice, in their own homes or in the local community.

We understand that every patient is different, they have needs and concerns that are individual to them. We tailor our care and support to their specific circumstances and take a holistic assessment of their needs, whether they are physical, emotional, spiritual or social.

At Heart of Kent Hospice, we recognise that receiving a referral to us can sometimes make people and their loved ones feel anxious.

We appreciate that it’s a time of great change and you will almost certainly have lots of questions about our services and what happens next. Our role is quite often as part of a wider team and we will work closely with GPs, district nurse teams, carers and the other agencies involved in your care.

Our specialist team of nurses, doctors, health care professionals, colleagues and volunteers will do everything they can to make your experience of Heart of Kent Hospice the very best it can be. We will always treat you, your family and your friends with respect, compassion and dignity.

Heart of Kent Hospice's Head of Hospice Dementia and Frailty Care Home Team Tracy Jackson on the telephone at her desk

What happens next?

Step 1 - We will be in touch

One of our team will contact the patient at our earliest opportunity. This initial call is a chance for us to find out more about you and your situation and for us to discuss what services you might find helpful. We will ask you about your illness, symptoms and what care support you already have in place at home. If you do not hear from us, please call the Hospice to confirm receipt of your email.

Step 2 - We will get to know you

Following the initial contact, we may arrange a more in-depth face to face assessment by a member of our clinical team. You may be offered an outpatient appointment at the Hospice or we will arrange to come and visit you. As part of the assessment we will assess your needs and work with you to determine how best we can support you to meet your concerns.

Step 3 – Getting the right support

We will then work with you to ensure you get the support you need, from the right person, in the right place, at the right time.

We are committed to giving our patients and their loved one’s flexibility, control and independence, supporting them wherever they feel most comfortable and happy.

We offer a range of services for patients and their families. Once you have completed your referral, we will help you to work out which of our services can best support you, and put you in touch with the relevant teams.

Hospice Community Services

The Hospice Community Team and Hospice Dementia Team are teams of professionals who can visit you at home, in your care home or see you as an Outpatient at the Hospice, to help you manage symptoms and support those closest to you.

Inpatient Unit (IPU)

You may be admitted to IPU from home, care home or hospital for either symptom management or end-of-life care. Usually patients stay for around two weeks but this is individually reviewed by clinical teams. We will always support you and those closest to you with discharge planning.

Family Support Team (FST)

We aim to ensure that you and the most important people in your life have the help you will need in the weeks and months ahead. We can offer physiological, emotional and spiritual care as well as support with financial issues and claiming benefits.

The Hospice Hub Team

Our Hospice Hub offers a safe and welcoming space where our patients, family members and carers can access our specialist care, support and advice, as well as the opportunity to share peer-to-peer support with others facing similar challenges.

Chief Executive Rachel Street with a Heart of Kent Hospice patient

Our Hospice is an essential part of your local community, caring for patients and their families, not only today but into the future.

Rachel Street Chief Executive