Death and dying is very difficult to deal with, but helping patients and those people important to them at their time of greatest need is hugely important to us. Care in the last days of life is a core service at both Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals  and is delivered on all wards by all clinical members of staff. The PEoLC team supports ward teams to deliver this care.

At Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals the SWAN model of care is used to support those who are in the last hours and days of life. This model of care includes physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of care and is adapted to a person’s needs. This care in the last hours and days of life will involve a number of health and social care professionals depending on the needs of the individual.

The Swan Model of Care represents:

• Signs – person is believed to be entering the last hours/days of their life – start the Swan Care Plan
• Words- sensitively communicate with the person, those important to them and one another
• Actions – ‘Step outside the box’ and facilitate what is important to the person and those coming alongside them
• Needs – Check the needs of the person are being met, documented and reviewed regularly

As well as being a model by which to guide care in the last hours and days of life the Swan model also includes the Swan resources to support patients and those important to them and the Swan care plan for the last hours and days of life.

The Swan Care Plan for the last hours and days of life supports staff to care for you and the people important to you at this time. It is initiated by a senior doctor, in conjunction with a senior nurse, and ensures nothing is forgotten with communication, kindness and comfort at the centre of all care.  We base this plan on the NICE guidelines for the care of dying adults and review the document on a regular basis.

The Swan Model Resources:

Swan Folders

Swan folders are gifted to those important to the patient when a swan care plan has been started. These include written information about the care in the last hours and days. A pen and paper if they need to write anything down that may have been discussed with the team caring for the patient. A small pack of tissues if required and a packet of forget me not seeds for planting memories.

Swan Rooms

Our aim is to offer a side room for patients in the last days of their life, allowing privacy and dignity for the patient, relatives and loved ones. Many wards now have dedicated side rooms called Swan rooms providing CD player, mood light and recliner chair and beautiful pictures made possible by kind donations from various sources. It is not always possible to provide a side room due to availability, but a request will always be made and provided where possible.

Car Parking

An ‘exemption from car parking charges’ permit is provided to relatives of patients under the Swan model of care. If you would like further information about this please speak with a member of staff on the ward.

Open visiting for relatives and close friends

Open visiting is permitted for relatives and close friends of patients who are in the last days of life. This can be authorised by the nurse-in-charge.

Swan Bereavement Bag

A small bag that is gifted to those important to the patient after the death of the patient. These include the bereavement booklet which communicated the next steps after leaving the hospital. A Good grief trust card, a pen and paper if they need to write anything down that is communicated. A small pack of tissues.

Bereavement Feedback Survey

The Bereavement feedback survey is a questionnaire posted/given to the bereaved relative (next of kin). It is an optional survey that allows the family to give feedback to the Trust about the care their loved one received at end of life as well as an opportunity to speak to someone if they wish.