A HOSPICE has opened an outpatients clinic to make it easier for people to use its services.

The Martlets, which is based in Hove, has set up the scheme at Anchor Healthcare in Peacehaven.

This means patients from the town and Newhaven have a shorter distance to travel.

The pilot project runs every Tuesday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

It is the first time the hospice has established a clinic in the community and staff are hoping it will be popular with patients.

If the six-month pilot is successful the hospice is considering making it permanent and expand the services it offers.

Day services manager Patrick Barclay-Ball said: “The clinic is for anyone from Peacehaven or Newhaven who has received a terminal diagnosis which could be cancer, any long-term neurological condition such as motor neurone disease, heart failure or end stage renal disease.

“People can live with a terminal illness for several years, so our aim is to encourage people to talk to us at an early stage so that we can improve their standard of living and help them to live their lives to the full.

“At our initial meeting we assess them to understand their needs to ensure the right care is put in place as soon as possible.

“In addition to their medical needs we think about how we can help with their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

“This might be providing support with planning for the future, providing a listening ear or helping them to access the right benefits since many people don’t realise they can claim disability or attendance allowance.

“We are also providing therapies such as massage, reiki and reflexology to our patients and their carers and this is proving to be very popular.

“At the moment people needing rehabilitation will still need to go to the Hove hospice but if this pilot is successful then it maybe something we’d consider providing at Peacehaven too.

“This clinic is all about testing the water, to find out what people want and need from the service.

“Martlets belongs to the community so this pilot is aiming to bring the hospice’s services out to those who need them.”

Referrals to the new clinic can be received from doctors, registered nurses and health professionals such as occupational therapists or physiotherapists.

People can also self-refer by speaking to their GP.

For more information about the project call the hospice’s day services team on 01273 273400 or email them at dayservices@martlets.org.uk.