St Joseph’s Hospice community palliative care

The Community Palliative Care Team (CPCT) at St Joseph’s Hospice provides specialist support for adults living with life-limiting and terminal illnesses. The team aims to help people live as well and comfortably as possible in their own homes or care settings, while also offering support to families and carers.

The service works closely with GPs, district nurses, hospital teams, and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated and compassionate care across the boroughs of Hackney, City of London, Tower Hamlets, and Newham.


 Who can refer?

Referrals can be made by any healthcare professional involved in a patient’s care, including:

  • Inpatient Palliative Care Teams
  • Hospital doctors or nurses
  • GPs and district nurses
  • Allied health professionals
  • Care home staff

Self-referrals from patients or referrals from family members are also accepted, though further clinical information may be sought from the patient’s GP.


 Who does the CPCT support?

The CPCT provides care for adults with progressive, life-limiting illnesses, such as:

  • Advanced cancer
  • End-stage respiratory, cardiac, renal, or liver disease
  • Progressive neurological conditions (e.g., Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis)
  • Frailty and multiple comorbidities requiring palliative support

The team supports patients at any stage of their illness, from diagnosis and during active treatment to the final months and days of life.


 What services does the CPCT provide?

  • Symptom management (e.g. pain, breathlessness, nausea)
  • End-of-life care in the home or care home settings
  • Emotional, psychological, and spiritual support
  • Elements of practical assistance for social needs via SJH Social Work Team
  • Support for families and carers, including bereavement support


 How to refer

Please download and complete the Pan-London Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form available on the St Joseph’s Hospice website under the ‘Make a Referral’ section - https://www.stjh.org.uk/our-care/make-a-referral/

Screenshot of St Joseph's website

Completed referral forms should be sent to: stjosephs.firstcontact@nhs.net

Referrals are reviewed Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm), and urgent cases are prioritised.


 Urgent advice or referral

Please contact St Joseph’s First Contact Team on 0300 303 0400 (ask for the CPCT), who can offer advice, assess suitability, and coordinate rapid response where needed.