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 they need.

Find out more about the support we offer to family members.

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

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

People are welcome to attend at all stages of their illness; when newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with symptoms of their illness and when requiring specialist care, input and advice.

All appointments are individualised to suit your health needs, lifestyle and circumstances. Services are always free for patients and families.

A programme of care tailored to your needs

Our palliative care specialists can help with different aspects of your illness and together you'll create an individual plan of care.

We'll help you with the physical symptoms of your illness, but we'll also help you regain control, build confidence and independence through reablement and rehabilitation.

Outpatient Face to Face Sessions

With current restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic we're offering outpatient one-to-one sessions at the Marie Curie Hospice in a variety of different clinical areas including:

• Physiotherapy (gym session/Rehabilitation)
• Art Therapy
• Complementary Therapy.

Outpatient Virtual sessions

Marie Curie Newcastle Outpatient Virtual Consultations have been designed to meet the needs of palliative patients and patients with life-limiting conditions, as well as their carers.

Our aim is to support patients and their carers, via one-to-one telephone consultation, one-to-one virtual consultation and group therapy session via Microsoft Teams.

Services include:

• Art therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Carer support
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy advice
• Emotional support.

Please speak to your GP/Health professional for referral or for further information  contact the hospice on 0191 219 1000 or email elisabeth.green@mariecurie.org.uk.

Early access support and information for people living with MND

Run in partnership with the MNDA, 'Living well' groups offer a choice of one-to-one or group support for you and your family. Due to current restrictions no face to face group sessions are currently running.

These sessions offer:

• Practical information and advice about living with MND
• Complementary therapy
• Relaxation sessions
• Support for families and carers
• Occupational therapy to help with everyday activities
• Access to specialist professional advice.

If you’re living with MND, or care for someone with MND who might benefit from this service, contact Pauline Simpson on pauline.simpson@mariecurie.org.uk or call the Newcastle MND care centre on 0191 282 3693.

To find out more about any of these services, please call us on 0191 219 1000. Or to get a referral, speak to your GP, nurse or hospital consultant or health professional.

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.

If you normally receive care at home, we can arrange a short-term respite stay at the hospice to give those who normally care for you a break.

If you're staying overnight with us, you'll have a bed in our in-patient unit (IPU). Each bed is either in a bay, or a private room with an en-suite bathroom. Every bed area has a television and headphones.

Family rooms

The hospice has two family rooms, Alwick and Lindisfarne. As well as a patient bed and furniture, each room has a large sofabed, kitchenette, dining area and spacious bathroom – as well as a private garden area and views over the rest of the grounds.

The recently refurbished Alnwick room was generously funded by Friends of Newcastle Hospice.

Wherever you're staying in our In-Patient Unit, you'll have access to our landscaped gardens (complete with gazebo and water features), so when the weather's nice you get to enjoy it.

What support do I get as an inpatient?

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?

Your family members are welcome to visit you at any time. We also have facilities for them to stay overnight, if they wish to. Find out more about support for families.

How long do people tend to stay?

Most people return home within a couple of weeks, with the community services they need in place. 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 how to find nursing or residential care. Some people return to our hospice for day services 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 the IPU team

To find out more about these services, call us on 0191 219 1000. To get a referral, speak to your GP, nurse or hospital consultant.

As a family member, you may need support and we can help in many different ways – from advice on finances to spiritual support or how to get social care.

Our family support services are open to all family members of people who are currently receiving care from us, or who have recently received care.

Facilities for families

We have several areas where families can relax. We also have a multi-faith space, gardens and a spacious family room with a TV and toys.

Families can get snacks and refreshments at the hospice in the Garden Café. This is open from 8.30am to 6pm, with hot meals served from 12.30-1.30pm, and 5-6pm.

If you're a relative and would like to stay overnight, we have facilities to allow you to do so.

Emotional support for families

Our trained and experienced social workers can help people adjust emotionally to changes in circumstances.

Bereavement support for families

Our trained staff can help to support adults and children through the loss of someone close.

To find out more, ask a nurse at the hospice or give us a call on 0191 219 1000.

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.

Bereavement support

Bereavement support if you've been affected by coronavirus

Marie Curie Newcastle COVID Bereavement Support Service is designed to meet the needs of bereaved people in the community who've had a loved one die from coronavirus, or whose grief process has been impacted by coronavirus. 

The service is free and you do not need to have previous involvement with the hospice.

Our aim is to offer emotional support and counselling, via one-to-one telephone and one-to-one virtual appointments via Microsoft Teams.

Medical and service professionals can refer someone to the COVID Bereavement Service here, or you can refer yourself to the service here.

For further information please contact COVID Bereavement Co-ordinator Louise Bowen at Louise.bowen@mariecurie.org.uk or call on 07754 747982.

Bereavement Support is an integral part of the care on offer from the hospice.

Bereavement support is available to family members as part of our continuing support after the loss of a loved one whom we have cared for at the hospice. The provision of bereavement support or counselling is offered via telephone or on a one to one basis (currently online). Group support may also be available. 

We recognise that people’s needs change over time after a major loss and we can be quite flexible as to when you receive your support, in what form and for how long. Your needs are unique and our aim is to respond to these in a way that works for you.

For further information please contact Bereavement Co-ordinator, Jacquie Leaman at Jacquie.leaman@mariecurie.org.uk or call on 0191 219 1035.

Please note that we do not currently extend our offer of bereavement support to children. However, if you are struggling to access this then please still give us a call and we will do what we can to signpost you in the right direction.

Spiritual and religious care

Spirituality is the term used for the things that give our lives meaning and help us to get through the difficult times.

For some people, this might mean family time, being close to nature, or being around pets or animals. For others, it might involve religious beliefs and practices.

Katy, our Hospice Chaplain, is here to support you and your loved ones with spiritual and religious care needs, whatever they may be. She's here to talk about any strengths, hopes or worries.

Meet Katy Francis, Hospice Chaplain

To find out more, please speak to a member of staff, or give us a call on 0191 219 1000.

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.

Our community groups are available to anyone with a terminal or life-limiting illness, as well as their families and carers.

Our bereavement groups are open to anyone who has been bereaved of someone they cared about, no matter how long ago.

You don't need a prior connection to Marie Curie to access these groups. You can self-refer, or you can be referred via your GP or Health Professional.

Walk and Talk

Last Friday of the month, meet at 1:15pm for a 1:30pm start.

Sometimes people who have been bereaved find it more difficult to socialise or talk to others about their experiences, so it can be helpful to be with like-minded people who understand, and can offer each other support, rather than accessing formal services.

The walking group provides a time to walk and talk at a relaxed pace with others who share similar experiences.

It's an opportunity to enjoy companionship, talk about your feelings and make new friends, while benefiting from some fresh air and exercise.

The Good Life

Monthly, Monday 2-3:30pm 

The Good Life project is a therapeutic horticultural project in collaboration with Scotswood garden. With support from volunteers, gardening and nature activities will be delivered online and in small group sessions to improve wellbeing of patients and their carers.

Beyond the Waves

Monday 10:30am (West End Library/Newcastle Central Library)
Wednesday 10:30am (Marie Curie Garden)

Beyond the Waves is a creative and supportive arts project for people who lost loved ones during the pandemic. The project is led by local artist Karen Underhill, supported by Marie Curie Bereavement Services. We are offering open, supportive, friendly sessions to share experiences through art and conversation.

If you're interested in any of these groups, please contact Marie Curie Newcastle on 0191 219 1000 or mariecuriehospice.newcastle@nhs.net.

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.

Helen Forrow, Deputy Head of Service Delivery

Anne-Marie Bourke, Medical Director

Gillian Raine, Deputy Head of Clinical Practice and Quality

Julie Harper, Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Katy Francis, Chaplain

Gill White, Facilities Manager

Jimmy Maughan, Chef

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

Our hospice has a range of facilities to make sure your visit or stay, and that of your family, is as comfortable as possible. Please do contact us if you have any specific questions about what's available.

What are the bedrooms like?

Some of our beds are in bays, while others are in private rooms. These rooms are all spacious, with en-suite bathrooms, as well as direct access to our landscaped gardens. Families can visit at any time, and you can even bring in your pet for a visit or to stay with you if you like.

Where would I receive day services?

Our day services unit is where you'll get 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 Garden Café is open from 8.30am to 6pm every day, with hot food served between 12.30-1.30pm and 5-6pm. There are also vending machines where you can buy drinks and snacks.

Is there a gym?

Yes, we have a rehabilitation room and gym 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, with direct access for each each bedroom. 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.

What about conference facilities?

Yes. The hospice has dedicated training and meeting rooms to enable our staff to share their skills with healthcare professionals in the community.

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 them in the reception area and the in-patient unit (IPU).

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 inpatient area as well as each patient’s bedroom. Please use this gel before entering and leaving them.

To avoid spreading germs, please try not to visit patients if you're feeling unwell or suffering with a cold, flu or any other infectious disease.

If you work in healthcare, 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 for a lengthy period, or, more importantly, they go 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 Garden Café is open from 8.30am to 6pm every day. It sells a variety of refreshments, light snacks and meals. There are also vending machines where you can buy drinks and snacks.

You'll find tea and coffee making facilities in the beverage area of the in-patient unit (IPU).

Visitor areas

For visitors who wish to remain in the hospice for longer periods of time, we have a visitors’ lounge in the In-Patient Unit.

You'll also find a reflection room on the ground floor where you're welcome to spend some time if you like.

Smoking guidelines

Smoking is not permitted within the hospice grounds. Please ask at reception for information about where to smoke.

Fire alarm testing

We have a fire alarm test every Wednesday at 2pm. This usually lasts no longer than 10 seconds.

Comments and suggestions

We welcome comments from everyone who uses the hospice. If you'd like to offer any ideas or suggestions, please just fill in a suggestion form which can be found at the reception desk or complete an 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, Newcastle
Marie Curie Drive
Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6SS

The hospice manager will try to resolve the problem quickly for you.

Alternatively, you can use our online complaints form.