We have 16 beds and care for those patients and families experiencing complex physical, emotional, social or spiritual problems associated with life threatening illness. A major refurbishment and extension of the In-Patient Unit was completed in June, 2013. Click here for more information.
Home Who we are Working with us Useful Information
Useful Information
The Kirkwood are lucky to have around 250 employees in both full and part-time roles, and are fortunate to have the support of over 800 dedicated volunteers.
We are a registered charity, providing specialist palliative care services to people in Kirklees. We are governed by a voluntary Body of Trustees and managed by an Executive Management Team consisting of; Chief Executive, Director of Finance & Resources, Director of Clinical Services, Consultant in Palliative Medicine and the Director of Income Generation and Marketing. Over 75% of our annual costs funded by voluntary donations.
Employee Benefits & Wellbeing
An experienced multi-disciplinary team work in a supportive environment to provide high quality, holistic, individualised care to patients requiring specialist palliative care, their families and carers.
Situated in pleasant surroundings we have excellent facilities for all employees which include:
- An individualised induction period
- Supervision, group reflection and annual appraisal
- Education Centre and Resource Room on site
- Free car parking on site (where available)
- High quality, low cost meals
- Complementary Therapies
- The Kirkwood hospice is smoke free. Smoking is not allowed in any hospice building or vehicle or in the grounds
The Kirkwood are committed to supporting employees in what can be a stressful and emotionally demanding environment.
The following additional employee benefits are in place:
- Employee Assistance Programme for employees and immediate family
- Access to occupational health services
- NHS pension is transferable for those already contributing
- Hospice contributory scheme including death in service benefits
- Childcare voucher scheme
Annual Leave
On appointment, new employees are entitled to 27 working days (pro rata for part-time staff) plus 8 Bank/Public Holidays (pro rata for part-time staff). Our holiday year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
After 5 years service annual entitlement increases to 29 working days plus 8 Bank/Public Holidays (pro rata).
After 10 years service annual entitlement increases to 33 working days plus 8 Bank/Public Holidays (pro rata).
Services Currently Available:
In-Patient Care
Community Palliative Care Team
A team of Clinical Nurse Specialists provide advice on all aspects of pain and symptom control, psychological support and assessment of specialist palliative care needs. Patients may be visited in their own home, in nursing or residential homes. Click here for more information.
Support & Therapy
Our Support & Therapy Centre offers a wide range of services for patients including nursing, medical and complementary therapies as well as recreational and creative activities. Click here for more information.
Family Care Team
A team of counsellors provide psychological support and counselling during the illness and in bereavement. Specific care is provided for children coping with the death or illness of a parent or close family member. Click here for more information.
Social Work
Our social workers provide specialist advice and support to patients and families on all social issues. They work in close co-operation with hospital and community Social Workers to ensure continuity of care and that appropriate social support is available.
Complementary Therapies
Qualified employees and volunteers are able to assess for and provide aromatherapy and other complementary therapies in all hospice areas, in the patient’s own home or as out-patients at The Kirkwood hospice site. Click here for more information.
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
Assessment and advice is available to patients at home, in the Support & Therapy Centre and for in-patients.
Spiritual Care
The Kirkwood Spiritual Care Co-ordinator and a team of volunteers work as members of the multi-professional team to ensure that the spiritual needs of patients and families are met whilst they are using our services. Click here for more information.
Lymphoedema Clinic
A follow-up Lymphoedema clinic is held in the Support & Therapy Centre. This service is provided in partnership with the Specialist Lymphoedema Service at Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust. Click here for more information.
Education Centre
In house and external education and training programmes are provided in a purpose built Education Centre. Rooms are also available for hire by external agencies. Click here for more information.
Quality and Audit
Our Quality Manager leads audit activities but all employees play an active part in ensuring our services are monitored and improved. We are inspected by the Care Quality Commission. Our latest inspection report is available on the Commission's website at: www.cqc.org.uk or copies are available from the Director of Clinical Services.
Support Services
All our clinical services are underpinned by support services including Administration, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Domestic, Maintenance and Catering services.
The Fundraising Team
It costs over £7million each year to provide our services. A contribution is received from our two local CCGs but the vast majority of these running costs have to be raised by various fundraising initiatives. The support and generosity of the people and business communities of Kirklees enable us to continue to provide high quality care free of charge. The Fundraising team are based at Empress Works, near Huddersfield town centre.. Click here for more information.
Shops
The Kirkwood have 20 shops in locations throughout Kirklees. Our shops sell donated goods as well as new goods and we also run a cafe and gift shop in Denby Dale. Our shops are important in helping us raise the funds needed to provide our services. Click here for more information.
Need clinical advice?
Call our advice line on:
01484 557910
24 hrs a day