Self-referral to Dougie Mac now in place

People living with a life-limiting illness across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire can now self-refer to Dougie Mac Hospice for help and support.

Previously, adults requiring support from the hospice typically needed a referral from their GP or another healthcare professional. However, Dougie Mac has now introduced a digital self-referral option, allowing patients, families, carers and loved ones to reach out directly for support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The new online self-referral form is available via the Dougie Mac website and has been designed to make accessing hospice services quicker, easier and more convenient.

Sonya Turner, Director of Care (Adult Clinical Services) at Dougie Mac Hospice, said: “We are delighted to announce that we have digitalised our referral process, making it easier and more convenient than ever to access our services. Referrals can now be completed online and submitted directly to our team, while the traditional referral routes remain available.

“We have introduced this system to create a more streamlined and efficient way for people living with a life-limiting illness to access the support they need. Self-referrals can be made by the individual themselves, a family member, carer or loved one, helping people connect with our services more quickly. As well as providing support for patients, we also offer support to those closest to them.”

The self-referral form can be used by people living with a range of life-limiting conditions, including cancer, dementia, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and respiratory illnesses such as COPD.

Once a self-referral has been submitted, the information will be reviewed by Dougie Mac’s clinical team, and patients can expect to be contacted within 7 to 14 days. Anyone who feels they require more urgent support is encouraged to contact the Dougie Mac Advice Line on 01782 344300.

Access to Dougie Mac’s Children’s and Young Adults’ Services continues to be available through both healthcare professional referral and self-referral pathways.

For more information about referrals to Dougie Mac’s Adult, Young Adult and Children’s Services, and for access to the self-referral form, visit: www.dougiemac.org.uk/referrals/