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Doctors
Offering expert advice and care in an unhurried environment
The medical team at Compton Hospice plays a central role in the care of our patients, both on-site and in the community.
Members of our specialist team include:
- Dr Pearson - hospice medical director and consultant in palliative medicine
- Dr Ritzenthaler - palliative care consultant based at New Cross Hospital
- Dr Marlow - palliative care consultant based at New Cross Hospital
- Dr Scotton - associate specialist
- Dr Reiss - staff grade in palliative medicine
Our doctors are supported by clinical assistants and specialist registrars.
What does the medical team do?
The medical team works together with our other departments to decide on the best treatment plans for each person, and make decisions on when to admit and discharge patients on the ward.
They meet with other members of the clinical team every morning to discuss the care of patients who are in the hospice. All in-patients are visited daily to assess symptoms, review treatment, and to discuss other aspects of care such as planning for discharge.
They are also available for appointments with visitors to the day unit at the hospice, to patients at home and those in nursing homes and hospitals in the area, and are able to spend time discussing in detail the issues surrounding an illness and its treatment.
It is also an essential part of their work to spend time with patients’ families, who often don’t get access to a specialist to talk about their loved one’s condition and needs.
The team works 9-5 each weekday and provides an on-call service, which includes advice to other healthcare personnel.
Hospice doctors are also involved with the education of other medical professionals, running courses at the hospice’s education centre and supervising medical students who attend the hospice as part of their training.
What treatment is possible?
Although we are treating patients with illnesses that are not curable, our doctors can often help them to feel a lot better.
We can’t promise to get rid of symptoms altogether, but we are usually able to make a significant difference.
Do hospice doctors replace GPs?
The hospice medical team works in partnership with other healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care. We do not see ourselves as a replacement, but as experts in the specialist field of palliative care who can offer further guidance, and an additional ‘helping hand’.
It is essential that GPs and other consultants are kept informed and any treatment or advice we give is reported to the other doctors concerned with a patient’s welfare.
If you have any further questions about Compton Hospice and Services/Medical, please call 0845 225 5497 or contact us. We will do our utmost to help with your enquiry.
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