Our Purpose, Philosophy and Objectives

Statement of Purpose

The Ayrshire Hospice was established to enhance the quality of life of those who are suffering from advanced cancer or Motor Neurone Disease for whom cure is no longer possible, as well as support for families facing the loss of a loved one.

By entering into partnerships and consultancy with other agencies, the Hospice seeks to facilitate the full continuum of palliative care throughout Ayrshire and, through the provision of education and co-operation in programmes of research, to promote the development of specialist palliative care.

Philosophy

Patients are viewed holistically considering all aspects of the illness and its effects on the patient and family. The over-riding aims are the relief of suffering and the achievement of a peaceful death, free from physical and emotional distress.

The patient and the family are seen as a unit of care, with support to the family continuing into the bereavement period.

To achieve our aims, we will pursue the objectives which form the basis of our service.

Guiding objectives

There are nine fundamental guiding objectives which the Ayrshire Hospice will pursue in seeking to achieve its purpose. These are:-

  • Affirmation of the patient as a unique and valued individual, preserving quality of life, dignity and independence as far as possible.
  • Consolidation of the multi-disciplinary approach to patient care to provide physical, psychological, social and spiritual support to patients and families.
  • Creation and maintenance of a safe, secure, caring environment fostering mutual trust conducive to the involvement of patient and family in the management of the illness.
  • Identification of patients' preferences regarding the place of care be it home, hospital, hospice or nursing home and support of this choice whenever possible.
  • Co-operation and collaboration with primary care teams, hospital and home care services to meet the needs of patients and family and to promote the principles and practice of palliative care.
  • Support for the family through the illness into bereavement, recognising and addressing the needs of the bereaved.
  • Maintenance and development of the system of clinical audit to assess on an ongoing basis, the quality of services being provided and to enhance these services through evaluation and review of practice.
  • Advancement of the understanding and rationale of the treatment of progressive disease through evidence based practice and participation in appropriate research.
  • Provision of an educational programme in palliative care offering in-service and external education to promote professional development, expertise and academic achievement.

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