Sunflower centre is oasis of support to patients and family
ONE of the country’s leading day care centres, the Sunflower Centre in Macclesfield, must rank among the busiest in the country – yet it still oozes calm.
The centre, which has its own separate entrance at East Cheshire Hospice, is open five days a week and offers a range of different types of services from standard medical services such as physiotherapy to less familiar programmes such as a carers’ support programme.
The centre is open to people diagnosed with a life limiting illness and their families and offers its support for free.
Manager Sandra Jones said that while the centre still offers many of the services it did when it first opened, it’s also constantly evolving.
“We continually review what we do, using questionnaires for both patients and their families,” said Sandra.
“We need to know we make a difference and so all our services are designed to make the most impact.”
The centre offers a regular outpatient day care facility for up to 75 patients a week referred by their GP or specialist nurses.
Patients can access a range of resources such as occupational therapy, complementary therapies and pain management support.
There’s also a range of activities on offer including art therapy run by trained clinical art psychotherapist, Fay Mitchell.
“Many want to complete one of our Planning for the Future care plans – a plan that sets out how the patient wants to live well and helps them plan for their death,” said Sandra.
“This type of emotional support helps people to take control of their lives when they most need it.
“People think our work is all about dying – but it’s also about living well.”
In addition, courses such as the breathlessness management programme run over an eight-week period at the centre, help people with their anxiety and relaxation techniques.
Carers also are supported with an evening programme of information and events, while those with neurological illnesses also have their own special day care course and a Living Well programme helps patients actively manage their condition while living at home.
“I’d say to anyone who wants to know more about what we do, please just drop in and have a chat with us,” said Sandra.
Anyone who would like more information can contact the centre on 01625 610364 or by email at admin@echospice.org. uk.
There’s also a referral form on the hospice website eastcheshire hospice.org.uk/healthcareprofessionals-landing-.