Appendix E: Medical Checklist for Patients Transfering to the Nurse Maude Hospice

Patients may be transferred to the Hospice for terminal care if the holistic care, support and environment at the Hospice are felt to be advantageous for that patient/family. Sometimes transfer may also be necessary for symptom control.

The Hospice is generally a short-term facility but occasionally will accept patients for longer term care if the patient has complex needs. Potential referrals must be discussed with the Clinical Nurse Manager, Hospice Palliative Care on 375 4274.

Patients outside Ward 27 should be referred to the Hospital Palliative Care Team if considering Hospice transfer. At the time of referral to Hospice a completed referral form must be faxed to 375 4267.

Once the patient has been accepted for transfer, the nursing staff will arrange the date and time. The GP should be advised of the proposed transfer as it is Hospice policy that patients can be looked after by their own GP (shared-care or full-care). The following points must be noted:

On the morning of transfer, ring the Hospice (ph: 375 4274) and speak to one of the Medical Officers or Clinical Nurse Manager to hand over the patient directly. If neither is available, speak to one of the Hospice nurses.
The standard ward discharge letter must also be completed and faxed to the Hospice (fax: 375 4267) and to the GP. Ensure that ALL drugs and doses (including individual syringe driver drugs and subcut boluses) are documented.
There may be a delay between the patient arriving at the Hospice and the Medical Officer attending. Therefore, you may be instructed to complete a Nurse Maude Authority Form with essential regular drugs and PRN drugs charted as well as the subcutaneous infusion so that these can be administered if necessary.
Subcutaneous syringe pumps are generally disconnected when the patient leaves the ward and the syringe clamped off until the patient arrives at the Hospice when it is reconnected to one of their pumps. If you are concerned about the patient experiencing pain during the period of transfer, a bolus of morphine/ morphine elixir can be given just prior to discharge. Medication scripts do not need to be completed.


Information about this Canterbury DHB document (4457):
Document Owner:	Palliative Care Service (see Who's Who)
Issue Date:	July 2009
Next Review:	July 2010
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document.
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Topic Code: 4457