What is a Hospice?
A hospice is not just a building; it is a way of caring for people. The main aim of a hospice is to improve the lives of people who are suffering with life limiting or terminal illnesses. It helps these people to live as actively as possible after diagnosis to the end of their lives, however long that may be. The majority of patients that stay in the hospice are those looking to have their symptoms controlled so they can return home to a higher quality of life.

How much money does the Hospice have to make each year?
St Luke's costs over £5million a year to run, with over £3.5million raised by the local community through fundraising. Many of those who give have experienced the care of the Hospice when a family member, friend, work colleague or neighbour has been cared for by St Luke's. It is the closeness of people to the Hospice that inspires such generosity and without which St Luke's could not carry on its caring work.

Does the Hospice only care for patients with cancer?
Many people believe that hospice care is only available to those with some form of cancer - this is not true. St Luke's Hospice cares for patients who are living with a terminal or life limiting illness. This includes, for example, patients suffering with all forms of Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Nuerone Disease, and Heart Disease

What is 'Palliative Care'?
Defined by the World Health Organisation, Palliative Care is: '...the active holistic care of patients with advanced progressive illness. Management of pain and other symptoms and provision of psychological, social and spiritual support...The goal of Palliative Care is achieving the best quality of life for patients and their families.'


What area does St Luke's Hospice cover?
St Luke's cares for people throughout Plymouth, South West of Devon and East of Cornwall, providing high quality, specialist Palliative Care for all.

How many volunteers and staff are there at St Luke's?
The Hospice employs 230 staff and more than 900 volunteers who are each dedicated to serving the Hospice.

What is St Luke's Services?
In 2005 St Luke’s Services was established to provide an integrated approach in caring for patients with advanced illnesses. St Luke’s Hospice, Derriford Hospital and the local Primary Care Trusts work together to provide a ‘Joined Up’ approach to caring.  

How many patients does the hospice care for each year?
St Luke's Hospice Plymouth provides care to more than 2,000 people a year from throughout the South West of Devon and East Cornwall. The care is not just medical and nursing, but incorporates practical, financial, emotional and spiritual support as well. Patients can receive this care as an outpatient, by visiting the Day Hospice or by a stay at the Hospice, which normally lasts between one and two weeks. The majority of these stays are for those looking to have their symptoms controlled, so they can return home to a higher quality of life.