A Community Specialist Palliative Care Nurse with a specific remit for nursing care homes is based at St Luke’s Hospice.

The aims of the role are:

• To work in an advisory and supportive capacity with care homes and general practitioners to ensure individual needs of the patient and family are met.
• To support patients and their families/carers during a very difficult time in their life.
• In partnership with the patient, family/carer and nursing home staff to develop a care plan, based on individual assessment.
• To give support and advice for care home staff on issues affecting end of life care and promote the hospice philosophy.

Professionals can make referrals by completing a Specialist Palliative Care Referral form. Referrals will be considered for:

• Any patient with palliative care needs who meets the criteria. 
• Patients with complex psychological needs and communication issues.
• Support with end of life care planning to support care in the home.
• Symptom management.

The Sheffield Care Home Support Team offers advice & educational support to both residential & nursing home staff.

A list of care homes, residential and nursing, is available  on the Sheffield  City Council website.

Inspection reports for care homes can be viewed on the Care Quality Commission website.