Case study:

06 July 2007

Comfort care packs in Northumbria hospitals

Key points

Palliative care staff in Northumbria hospitals are ensuring that patients dying in acute hospitals receive some of the holistic aspects of hospice care by giving them a pack containing luxury and comfort items.

The comfort care packs include things like hand cream (to encourage hand massage and physical contact between patient and carer), puzzle books and pen for relatives to fill time, hot chocolate and biscuit, ear plugs, toothpaste, comb, shampoo, heat pack and pillow.

The system is activated when patients are at the end of life and are placed on the LCP.

At the same time a form is faxed to the palliative care team asking for a pack to be supplied.

A questionnaire is supplied with the pack asking for carers’ feedback.

A second questionnaire is sent to those willing to take part after the death of their loved one.

There have been some issues around infection control (heat packs) and moving and handling (portable beds).

There can also be problems about restocking the baskets as well as returning them and reusable items.

The initial outlay for a pack is £20 with replacements costing between £12 and £18.

In addition the team has bought CD players and CDs as well as two portable beds for approximately £1090.00.

All the costs are funded from donations.