A NEW advocacy worker is joining Meadow House Hospice to boost help and advice for patients and families.

While the hospice in the grounds of Ealing Hospital has a range of activities and services, bosses hope to broaden this as well as respond pro-actively to what people want.

Manager Jackie Grove said: "We have a carers' support group, but this dedicated worker can help with anything from advice on benefits to liaising with social services. We want people to give us feedback on what they need.

"A lot of people don't realise half the things we do, such as alternative therapies for patients who are well enough, telephone counselling and home visits. People might want help late at night or at weekends. Sometimes people laugh when we say we can help because they can't leave their home, but we can organise a nurse to go in for a day for example. We can be very flexible. "

Marianne Kolbuszewski, family support manager, said: "A lot of work we do is with the whole family on all sorts of issues, such as where the patient wants to die. The advocacy worker would have more time to go into homes. There's a lot of holistic care we can offer."

If you want to make suggestions as a carer or patient contact Marianne on: 020 8242 5921 or log on to: www.meadowhousehospice.org.uk