Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy

Who are we?

The Palliative Care Therapy Team is made up of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. We are employed by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and are an integral part of the Palliative Care Team.

We are based at Bolton Hospice and see patients from all areas of the Hospice. However we also see non-hospice patients in their own homes. We see any patient with a palliative condition, both cancer and non-malignant conditions.

What do we do?

We aim to increase our patients’ ability to carry out day to day tasks, to keep their independence and help them to cope with their condition.

The views and wishes of our patients and their families are important during assessment. We work closely with you to consider what is important and agree goals and treatment plans together.

What can we help with?

• Day to day tasks and mobility and transfers.
• Self management strategies for anxiety or fatigue.
• Equipment assessment.
• Breathing problems.
• Relaxation.
• Specialist seating and wheelchair assessment.
• Rehabilitation including exercise programmes.
• Assessment for and provision of splints and collars.
• Moving and handling advice.
• Home environment assessments.
• Referrals

We can accept referrals from many sources:

• Hospice doctors and nursing staff
• District nurse teams
• Macmillan nurses
• Social workers
• Other Allied Health Professionals
• Other trusts or hospitals e.g. The Christie Hospital, Royal Bolton Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital.

How to access our service

If you think you need an assessment please speak to one of the professionals involved in your care, who can refer to us, if appropriate. Once referred we will carry out a full assessment with you either at home or in the Hospice, depending on your care needs. We will establish your problems, set out a treatment plan with you and arrange regular appointments to work on your goals. Once your treatment programme is complete you will be discharged from our service, but you can then contact us directly if you need us again in the future.