We're here to help you achieve the best possible quality of life, whether that’s through helping relieve your symptoms, supporting you and your loved ones at a difficult time, or advising you on practical issues.

What medical support do I get when I arrive?

When you first come to the hospice, you’ll be able to discuss how you feel and what you need from us with one of our doctors or a specialist nurse.

We'll make sure any immediate difficulties you’re having, such as pain or breathlessness, are taken care of as soon as possible. Our hospice team is highly experienced in controlling pain and helping to relieve symptoms.

Will you support my family or carer?

As well as nursing and medical care, we’re here to offer you and your family whatever social, practical, emotional and spiritual support you need. Find out more about the support we offer to familes.

Who co-ordinates my care while I'm at the hospice?

If you're an in-patient, our nurses will co-ordinate your care throughout your stay and will be the main point of contact for you and your family.

• Find out more about our facilities.

You don't have to be staying in the hospice to receive support. Our day therapies are always free for people living with a terminal illness and your loved ones.

Depending on your needs, you can attend one or several of our day therapy sessions. We have a range of therapeutic, creative, social and supportive sessions to choose from to help with your rehabilitation and independence so you can enjoy a better quality of life.

We also offer medical outpatient appointments run jointly by a doctor and a clinical nurse.

Group sessions

Fatigue, anxiety or breathlessness (FAB) group

Mondays, 1.30-3.30pm

If you have a progressive illness and are struggling with symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety or breathlessness, this five-week programme can help. We’ll teach you techniques to help you cope with these symptoms in your day-to-day life.

Step by step group

Tuesdays, 10am-12pm

This is our fun, low-intensity exercise group which can help improve your movement, balance, coordination and confidence.

Therapeutic and social activities

Wednesdays, 11am-2.30pm and Fridays, 10am-2pm.

We have a variety of therapeutic and social activities to suit people with different abilities and interests. These activities include creative and expressive arts and crafts, music, conversation, relaxation, reminiscence, memory boxes and stories, and much more.

Therapy dog visits

We also have Therapets – Robbie the West Highland Terrier and Hobbes the Golden Labrador. Each week Hobbes and Robbie pop around the the inpatient unit and day therapies (if they'd like a visit) and people can pat them and chat to their owners.

Connections sessions

Mondays, 10am-12pm

We’ll find out how your illness affects different aspects of your life so we can give you advice and information on our services and other community resources that can help. You can also connect with others in a similar situation to you.

Carers support

Family days

We organise regular social events for everyone who attends our day therapies, including family and friends.

At these friendly and informal gatherings, you can meet members of our hospice team and other people who are affected by an illness.

We’ve also invited musicians, speakers and even alpacas to make our events extra special, so ask us for more information if you’re interested in attending the next one.

Clinics

We offer medical outpatient appointments run jointly by a doctor and a clinical nurse. Please contact us for more information about these clinics.

Complementary therapies

We offer a range of complementary therapies for you and those who care for you, including massage, reflexology and hypnotherapy. Our therapies are all designed to make you feel good by helping to reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve your feelings of wellbeing.

Therapies include: acupuncture, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, massage, reflexology and reiki.

Please discuss on an individual basis with your nurse. Appointments are available for carers too.

Who runs our day therapies?

Gail Holloway – Day Therapies Manager

Ask your GP, nurse or hospital consultant about getting a referral to any of these services.

You'll also find a range of information and support online for if you've been recently diagnosed or you're living with a terminal illness. And you can call our Support Line to get practical information and emotional support, whatever your situation.

In order for us to be able to make someone comfortable and manage symptoms like pain, breathlessness or distress, they may come and stay with us at the hospice in our In-Patient Unit (IPU). We offer both single and shared accommodation.

What support do I get as an in-patient?

If you're staying at the hospice in the IPU, we will:

• make you more comfortable if you have persistent pain, tiredness, difficulty breathing or other symptoms
• help you maintain your independence so you can continue to do things for yourself for as long as possible
• offer you and your family emotional support should you want it
• advise you, and the people close to you, about how to get the right information if you are concerned about money, social benefits, or how to find equipment and services.

What about my family?

If you're staying at the hospice, your visitors are welcome to use one of the lounges, quiet room or gardens to spend time with you. We also have some facilities for relatives who would like to stay overnight. Find out more about support for families.

How long do people tend to stay?

Most people stay at the hospice for a couple of weeks. If the professionals supporting you think you are well enough to go home, you may continue to get a range of care and support from our hospice community team. We can also arrange for you to get the equipment you need at home, or adaptations to your home.

What if I'm not well enough to go home?

If you can’t return home because you still need support, we'll advise you and your family on what to do next. We don't offer long-stay placements at the hospice, but we can help you find a suitable care, such as nursing at home or residential care. Some people return to our hospice for day therapies later on, depending on their needs.

Do you support people at the very end of their lives?

Some people want to be cared for at the hospice when they die. These people come to the hospice when they're very close to the end of their life. We make sure they're comfortable right up until their death.

We also support friends, family members and carers at this emotional time. Find out more about emotional support at the hospice.

Meet our Charge Nurses

Rosie Morrison

Audrey Geary

Stacey Taylor

To find out more about in-patient care, call 0131 470 2201 and ask to speak to one of the ward staff.

If you’re being cared for at home, you may be referred to our community team based at the hospice. The team is made up of a variety of healthcare professionals who will work with your GP, district nurse and hospital team to support you and your family.

Home visits from hospice specialists

When you’re referred to our community team, one of our clinical nurse specialists will talk to you to find out about your physical, emotional, practical and social needs.

They don’t provide hands-on care, but they have the time to listen to your concerns, provide specialist, expert advice on how to manage pain or other symptoms, and offer  support for you and your family.

They can also discuss and write down any wishes and preferences you have around your care in the future.

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)

Your clinical nurse specialist will make a plan with you as to how our community team can support you and your family.

Unlike the hospice care at home services, CNSs don't provide personal care or give medications. Their role is to work closely with your district nurses and GP to advise, co-ordinate and oversee your care. They can also tell you about, and refer you to, other services we offer, such as day hospice therapies.

Referals to other professionals

If your Clinical Nurse Specialist thinks you need support from a specialist doctor, they may refer you.

If you're struggling with mobility and daily activities, you can get support at home from one of our specialist therapists, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

If you need help with planning ahead and making your wishes known, or anything else to do with your broader situation, you may be referred to one of our social workers.

Meet the team

Liz Barker Community Clinical Nurse Manager

Ask your GP, nurse or hospital consultant if they think you'd benefit and whether they will refer you.

If you are a resident in West Lothian and are living with an advance, progressive and incurable illness, you may be referred to the West Lothian Palliative Care Service.

Marie Curie, NHS Lothian   and Macmillan Cancer Support   are working together in West Lothian to provide specialist palliative care services for people with any advanced, progressive and incurable illness, and their families.

What does the service do?

The West Lothian Palliative Care Service offers a range of services to provide people, and those caring for them, with specialist support and advice – whether in St John’s Hospital, in the community hospital, in a care home, or at home.

Teams of clinical nurse specialists based at the Macmillan Centre in St John’s Hospital provide the service, supported by a consultant in palliative medicine and a team of health and social care professionals.

How this service can help you

If you're a resident in West Lothian and are living with an advance, progressive and incurable illness, you may be referred to the West Lothian Palliative Care Service so that we can give you and your family:

• information and advice to support your choices and decisions
• emotional and spiritual support – we can discuss with you and your family any questions or concerns you may have
• assessment and advice on managing pain and other symptoms
• support to help you plan ahead for the type of care you wish to receive, and where you wish to receive it.

What happens after referral?

When you're referred, you'll be offered the opportunity to meet with one of our clinical nurse specialists.

They will discuss your needs and what you want to achieve with you, and you'll agree a plan of care together.

Depending on what you need, this plan of care may involve other members of the team. They include a consultant in palliative medicine, social worker, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, pharmacist, chaplain, complementary therapists and Macmillan welfare benefits advisers.

Meet the team

Noreen Reid, Community Clinical Nurse Manager, West Lothian

Please speak to your district nurse, specialist nurse, consultant or GP if you wish to be referred to this service.

Your family may need support too, and we're here to help. We offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to the family members and close friends of people being cared for at our hospice.

Support with practical matters

Our trained and experienced social workers can help you adjust to changes in circumstances and also help with practical matters such as arranging carer support at home.

Bereavement support

Our trained staff and volunteers offer bereavement support to both adults and children.

Our bereavement support groups take place monthly over a cup of tea or coffee. We'll support you to share your experiences and feelings in a safe, gentle and friendly setting.

Emotional support

We know that terminal illness affects the whole family, and so all our staff are here for both you and the people close to you.

Your family may wish to meet other carers and have a chat over tea and coffee, to share experiences and support one another. The hospice is a great place to do this. Find out more about emotional support.

Complementary therapies

Carers are welcome make the most of our range of safe and natural complementary therapies. These don't replace traditional care, but people often find them relaxing.

Therapies include aromatherapy, Indian head massage, massage, reflexology and relaxation. Speak to a member of staff about making an appointment.

If you're a family member of someone being cared for at the hospice, these services are for you. Please ask a nurse or one of the social workers for more information.

Living with a terminal illness or supporting a loved one is a very sensitive and emotional time.

We're here to help soften the impact that a terminal diagnosis can have on you and those around you – whether that's talking through your feelings with experts, planning ahead or making the most of the time you have left.

Our Patient and Family Support Team of social workers and experienced, trained volunteers offers emotional support to patients, families and carers experiencing loss.

We have a clinical psychologist at the hospice on Wednesdays who is also able to support patients, their families and carers.

Our Chaplain offers spiritual and pastoral care to patients and their loved ones. This might involve religious beliefs and practices or simply taking time to reflect on some of the bigger questions of life.  Whatever you may find helpful, our Chaplain is here to offer support on your journey. 

Please speak to a member of staff or give us a call to find out more.

You'll find a range of information and support online for people living with a terminal illness, and their families. This includes information:

• if you've recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness
• if you're living with a terminal illness
• if you're caring for someone
• about what to do when someone dies
• about benefits and finances
• about our bereavement support service.

You can also call our Support Line on 0800 090 2309* to get practical information and emotional support, whatever your situation. If you are looking for regular support from a volunteer you can sign up to our Companion over the phone service.

*Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Your call may be recorded for quality and training purposes.

We have a full team of professionals on hand, including specialist nurses and doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, complementary therapists, social workers and a chaplaincy service.

We work in partnership with other professionals involved in your care, such as your GP, District Nurse, hospital consultant and clinical nurse specialists.

Management team

Rachel Kemp, Medical Director

Libby Milton, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Services for Scotland

Charlotte Lindley, Head of Operations Scotland South & East

Ross Brown, Head of Quality and Clinical Practice - Scotland South & East

In-patient unit team

Sarah Dickson, IPU Manager

Gail Holloway, Day Therapies Manager

Community team

Liz Barker, Clinical Nurse Specialist Manager (Edinburgh)

Noreen Reid, Clinical Nurse Specialist Manager (West Lothian)

Administrative team

Barbara McRobbie, Administration Supervisor

Research team

Anne Finucane, Research Lead, Medical Research

Catering team

Bryan Thom, Head Chef

Patient and family support team

Andrew Reeves, Principal Social Worker

Facilities team

Michael Shuel, Facilities Manager

Contact us to find our more about the services we offer at the hospice.

Improving understanding of palliative care and best practice in our area is an important part of what we do at the hospice.

Guidance for professionals

If you're a healthcare professional who doesn't specialise in palliative care, you might find Marie Curie's Palliative Care Knowledge Zone useful. You'll find expert information, knowledge and support to help you deliver the best possible care for people living with a terminal illness.

Useful downloads

Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines  

What are the bedrooms like?

The bedrooms at our hospice are a mixture of private and shared, with en-suite bathrooms. Families can visit at any time, and you can even bring in your pet for a visit or to stay with you.

Where would I receive day therapies?

In our day therapies unit, which is where we give clinical support, rehabilitation, emotional support, practical advice and complementary therapies. Read more about the day services we offer.

Is there somewhere to get food?

Yes. Our kitchen sells light snacks for visitors. The opening hours are as follows:

Breakfast (rolls or porridge): 7.30-9am (last orders 8.30am)
Lunch (soup or a sandwich): 12-2pm (last orders 1.30pm)
Supper (soup or a sandwich): 4.30-5.30pm (last orders 5pm)

Outside of these times, there are vending machines where you can buy drinks and snacks, or we have lists of local takeaways and nearby restaurants available.

Is there a gym?

No, but we have a rehabilitation room to help the people visiting or staying with us to develop the skills they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.

What about the gardens?

There are beautiful, landscaped gardens surrounding the hospice. Our volunteer gardeners help to keep them looking lovely all year round.

Are there facilities for advanced life support?

No, we don't have the specialist equipment to offer advanced life support. If you have any questions about this please ask your doctor or nurse.

If you're planning to visit the hospice either to see someone in our care or to find out more about what we offer, you may find our visitor information useful, too.

Planning a visit to our hospice? Whether you’re coming in to see friends or relatives, we hope you find the following information about our facilities useful. If you have any further questions, please give us a call, or speak to a member of staff or volunteer who will be happy to help.

Visitor toilets

There are several visitor toilets in the building. You'll find two on the ground floor near the Day Therapies Unit and one on the ground floor by the family lounge.

Reducing the risk of infection

For infection control reasons, we ask that visitors do not use the en-suite facilities in patient bedrooms.

You'll also notice that there is hand sanitizer gel at the entrance to the in-patient area as well as each patient’s bedroom. Please use this gel before entering and leaving these areas.

To avoid spreading germs, please try to avoid visiting patients if you're feeling unwell or suffering with a cold, flu or any other infectious diseases.

If you work in a healthcare environment, please change out of your uniform before entering the hospice. You may notice other external healthcare workers in uniform, but this is because they are visiting in a professional capacity.

Patient mobility

We encourage our patients to leave their bedrooms and use the hospice facilities, and we're here to help if needed. 

If the person you're visiting will be out of their room for a lengthy period of time, or more importantly goes off-site, please make sure you've told a member of staff.

Red tabards

You might notice some nurses are wearing red tabards with the wording: ‘DRUG ROUND IN PROGRESS, DO NOT DISTURB’. These tabards are worn for safety reasons.

Please try to avoid approaching a member of staff when they're wearing a tabard, unless of course it's in an emergency.

Refreshments

Our kitchen sells light snacks for visitors. The opening hours are as follows:

Breakfast (rolls or porridge): 7.30-9am (last orders 8.30am)
Lunch (soup or a sandwich): 12-2pm (last orders 1.30pm)
Supper (soup or a sandwich): 4.30-5.30pm (last orders 5pm)

Outside of these times, there are vending machines where you can buy drinks and snacks, or we have lists of local takeaways and nearby restaurants available.

You’ll find free tea and coffee making facilities in the family lounges on both floors. If you’d like to leave a donation towards the cost, you can do this through the donation boxes.

Visitor areas

Visitors of people staying at our hospice are welcome to use the family lounges, where you can make tea and coffee, have lunch or just take some time to relax.

Each lounge also has a TV, toys and books to keep younger visitors entertained.

Visitors can also make use of the reception lounge, and we have a quiet room and a garden with a play area for children.

We have some facilities for relatives who would like to stay overnight. Please speak to a member of ward staff for more information.

Smoking guidelines

Smoking is not permitted within the hospice building. We ask visitors who wish to smoke to use the smoking shelter. Please don't smoke in any other area within the hospice grounds.

Fire alarm testing

We have a fire alarm test every Wednesday at 11.30am. This usually lasts no longer than 15 seconds.

Comments and suggestions

We welcome comments from all who use the hospice. If you would like to offer any ideas or suggestions, please just fill in a comment card which can be found next to the red suggestion boxes on the wall on each ward. Alternatively, fill in our online form.

You may hear people using the term palliative care. This type of care focuses on helping you to maintain the best possible quality of life.

Palliative care includes a variety of treatments to help you with any physical problems as well as your social and psychological needs. Support also extends to your family and friends who may have concerns about you and your illness.

You might receive palliative care at the same time as other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Find out more about palliative care.

Please do not bring valuables to the hospice as we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.

If you're admitted at short notice and you have valuables with you, please give them to the nursing staff so they can be locked away until they can be taken home.

We want to make sure that our patients and their families receive the best possible care and support from us. Carrying out research is one way to help us understand the needs of patients and families, and how we can best meet those needs.

From time to time, we invite patients and families we are caring for to be involved in research studies. Find out more about research at our hospices.

See all our statements of purpose by nation and region.

You are legally entitled to read your medical records. If you'd like to request a copy of your records, please write to the hospice manager.

Any information you share with staff will be protected by our duty of confidentiality. Our staff work within their professional codes of conduct and the Data Protection Act.

If you're experiencing a problem, please talk through the matter with your nurse in the first instance, who will try to help. If you need to make a complaint, you can write to the hospice manager at the following address:

The Hospice Manager
Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh
Frogston Road West
Edinburgh EH10 7DR

The hospice manager will try to resolve the problem quickly for you. Alternatively, you can use our online complaints form.

If you're unhappy about the way Marie Curie deals with your complaint, you may wish to contact:

Independent Healthcare Complaints Manager
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh EH12 9EB

Phone: 0141 623 4300
Email: hcis.chiefinspector@nhs.net