Question 1

What is the criteria for hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Patients may be admitted to the Butterfly Hospice for the following reasons:

• End of Life Care – For individuals who are believed to be in the final weeks of life.
 • Respite Care – For palliative care patients requiring a short stay due to carer breakdown or the need for a safe place. This service is intended to support genuine need and not as an alternative to holiday care.
 • Symptom Management – To assess and manage symptoms related to palliative or end-of-life conditions. Once symptoms are stabilised, we begin discharge planning.

Please note: This criteria is subject to change and may be updated at short notice. For the latest guidance, contact our nursing team on 01205 446780

Question 2

How long can a patient stay at the hospice?

Accepted Answer

The Butterfly Hospice provides short-term care focused on end of life, respite and symptom management. We are not a long-term care facility. If a patient’s condition stabilises, we will support discharge planning and help find appropriate follow-on care.

Question 3

What is the difference between palliative and end of life care?

Accepted Answer

Palliative Care is for people with incurable illnesses. It focuses on relieving symptoms, managing pain and providing emotional, social and holistic support to both patients and their loved ones.

End of Life Care is the support provided in the final stages of life, which may span days or weeks. It centers on comfort, dignity and quality of life.

Question 4

How much does care from the Butterfly Hospice cost?

Accepted Answer

Care provided by the Butterfly Hospice is completely free of charge, funded through a combination of donations, retail income, charitable fundraising and a partnership with Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

Question 5

How can I access the hospice out-of-hours?

Accepted Answer

If visiting outside of normal hours, please use the entrance at the rear of the building located at the Inpatient Unit (IPU).

Question 6

Can I volunteer in the hospice garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but garden volunteers must be able to work independently. If you're interested in volunteering, contact our team or visit our volunteers page to find out more.

Question 7

Is smoking permitted on-site?

Accepted Answer

All visitors must use the designated smoking area located within the Hospice grounds. Please ask a member of staff for directions.

Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere other than the designated smoking area.

Guests may receive alternative arrangement under the agreement of the Nursing team.

Question 8

Are there any restrictions to visitors and visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

At The Butterfly Hospice, we recognise that visits from loved ones are vital to the health and wellbeing of patients.  Our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to ensure your loved one is comfortable and well-supported and that their needs are prioritised.  We also understand that this can be a difficult time for loved ones, so we want to make your visits as meaningful and stress-free as possible, whilst ensuring the dignity, privacy and peace of all our patients.

Our visiting times are not restricted so our hospice is open to visitors 24 hours 7 days a week. However, to help us maintain a safe and peaceful environment, we kindly ask that: 
 • There are no more than four visitors per patient at any one time.
 • That children are supervised at all times.
 • That any phone calls or video calls are taken in a private area to keep the unit as quiet and calm as possible for all.
 • 
We appreciate that there may be circumstances where additional visitors are needed. At these times, the team will need to ensure this can be managed safely and without impacting other patients.   Please discuss any visitor requests with the nurse in charge, who will do their best to accommodate your needs with sensitivity and discretion. Families should communicate any concerns or issues with the hospice team, so they can help find a solution.

Question 9

Can visitors get food on-site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, visitors and relatives are welcome to hot meals between 8:00am and 5:00pm.

Last orders for hot food must be placed by 4:00pm.

At The Butterfly Hospice Trust, we understand that you may have questions.

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