THEY may not be doctors but the Support and Therapy Team at Kirkwood Hospice is key to patients’ wellbeing.

The team at the Dalton-based Hospice consists of registered nurses, health care assistants, complementary therapists, artists and a creative writer.

The service is not just for those with cancer.

Care is also provided for those with life threatening neurological, cardiac or respiratory diseases.

The team are now looking forward to the re-launch of the Dalton hospice’s in-patient unit in July, which has undergone a £3m revamp.

They aim to provide patients, carers and their families with education, information and support, enabling them to gain confidence in self care and self management.

They also host a number of information sessions, including ‘Braveheart’ for heart failure patients, lymphoedema clinic, fatigue management courses and ‘Let’s Talk About It’ sessions, for people to share their experiences and explore how a life threatening illness has affected them and the people around them.

They also host Drop In Days every Friday.

The team are keen to remain up to date on their education and skills, but also to learn new skills and gain knowledge that will enable them to care for patients with other specific life threatening illness.

All members of the Kirkwood team feel privileged to help people deal with a difficult experience in a positive way.

www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk