Due to an increase in referrals from external sources to our adult bereavement counselling service we currently have an extended waiting list for service provision. Following a comprehensive review of the service, we have concluded that, due to current resource limitations, we are unable to meet the increasing number of external referrals.
This change is a consequence of reductions in other services, such as GP counselling and the cessation of face-to-face counselling, alongside an increase in referrals from other support services, including aligned mental health workers and social prescribers. We have previously raised these challenges with commissioners and hope that future recognition of the need will lead to dedicated funding for Bereavement Counselling Services to develop and expand.
Please note that external referrals for children are not currently affected and can be made from six months post-bereavement.
We appreciate that this may be disappointing and we hope you understand that our commitment and priority at Willow Burn is to ensure we deliver timely, responsive care to those who need our support when it is needed the most.
To clarify :
Children’s Bereavement Counselling
Any child over 5 years of age whether or not they are linked to a bereavement in the hospice can be referred for support via GP, school or social worker. A referral can be made no earlier than 6 months after bereavement, to allow the child or young person time to grieve and opportunity to cope.
Adult Bereavement Counselling
Support is provided from diagnosis, pre-death, and post-death, continuing throughout the bereavement process. This support is offered to in-patients in the Helen McArdle Wing, day care clients and their families.
Support needs can be assessed from first contact with our services and at any point throughout the adult patient or family journey, including post-bereavement. Direct contact can be made with Willow Burn or referrals can be made by a GP, provided there is a bereavement link to the hospice.
Referrals will be accepted at any time for needs assessment; however, formal bereavement counselling will not commence until six months after the death to allow time for grieving and the opportunity to cope.
Please note that we are unable to accept external referrals for counselling for individuals without a bereavement linked to the hospice.
