Patient Information

Information available to patients

We try always to give our patients as much information as they need. In addition, information about diseases and their management is available from a wide variety of sources, including the trust's own Health Information Centre and also other organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support.

In addition we have a variety of leaflets available to explain the services that we provide.

For the Macmillan unit Inpatient Leaflet click here. Macmillan Caring Locally

For the Forest Holme information booklet click here 

Using information

Recording information 

To ensure we give you the best care possible, it is important that we are able to record information about you.

Palliative care records are stored as part of your electronic patient record, on a special electronic form which has been designed for this purpose. This electronic patient record is used at Forest Holme Hospice, Poole Hospital, Bournemouth Hospital and the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital, and by the community teams based at Forest Holme Hospice and the Macmillan Unit.

Your palliative care record includes details such as your name, address, date of birth, medical conditions and any medications you are taking. We also use the electronic record to make a note of any wishes you have made known regarding care towards the end of your life - where you would prefer to be cared for, and anything else which is important to you.

By making notes in this way, we are able to provide a high standard of care which is tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

If you have any questions about how your information is used contact one of the team.

Sharing information

The medical team looking after you in hospital or in clinic will be able to view the palliative care notes in the electronic patient record.

Your GP and district nurse may be able to view this information if they have received training in using the University Hospitals Dorset electronic patient record. Some staff may also be able to access your GP records if consent has been given.

With your consent, we would like to be able to share this information with relevant other professionals, only if needed to help provide care for you. For instance, if you are known to or referred to another palliative care service, it would help them to help you if they can view your palliative care record.

Your information is personal to you and remains confidential. We never share your personal information with commercial companies.

If you have any questions or concerns about the way your information is recorded or shared, please ask your palliative care key worker - for example your community palliative care nurse or doctor.