Ethnic Minority Support Service

Compton Care has launched a new service that improves access to palliative care for minority ethnic groups following a diagnosis of an incurable condition. This support is also extended to family members and carers.

What is this new service?

Our Ethnic Minority Support Service is offered to patients, their families and their carers, where they can access palliative and end of life services at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) and Compton Care, as well as other support services in the community. Anyone who has an incurable condition, who identifies as being from a ethnic minority background, can be referred from the moment they receive a diagnosis.

How might I use it? 

This service ensures that there is a clear pathway to support for the patients, it also ensures that information supports cultural, faith and language needs. If you, a loved one or a patient has been diagnosed with an incurable condition and is not sure on what to do next you can be referred to our Ethnic Minority Support Service. You might feel that you or the individual might benefit from a translation service, might need to talk to someone who understands your cultural needs or their family members (children, grandchildren, siblings) need to talk to a person about the complexities of referring their loved ones to palliative and end of life care.

Is there a referral criteria?

Yes, the patient has to be:

  • Aged 18 or above
  • Have a diagnosis of an incurable condition or an advanced life-limiting illness
  • Be registered with a Wolverhampton general practitioner (GP)
  • Identify as being from an ethnic minority background
  • Have complex needs, resulting from their illness
  • Families can also benefit from the service, they might find that they require additional support in managing their loved one's condition.

For patients or family members - you need to be referred by a healthcare professional, such as your doctor or social worker, who will then be able to do a referral on your behalf. You are more than welcome to have an informal chat with Dee McKinnon, the Ethnic Minorities Support Worker, who will be happy to answer any questions. You can contact her on 07817 957599 or dennicemckinnon@comptoncare.org.uk

For healthcare professionals - if you would like to refer a patient or client to this service, you can either complete this form, or contact 01902 774570.

Meet Dee, the Ethnic Minority Support Worker

We’d like to introduce Dee, who will be supporting patients who benefit from this service.

I’m Dee, the Ethnic Minority Support Worker for patients who have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness. Additionally, I can offer help to the patients’ carer and/or family members. My aim is to increase access to support services for people from an ethnic minority background. Thus, improving the pathways to care, and breaking down barriers faced by communities who often experience marginalisation and health inequalities. This is a dual role across Compton Care and Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, therefore the potential to reach people is vast.

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I am passionate abut supporting patients with incurable conditions, sadly, 16 years ago I lost my beautiful mum to cancer. Even in the darkest days we didn’t consider getting support other than what was clinically necessary. Why? We just didn’t know the help was there. Having social and emotional support could’ve made things a little easier and allowed for conversations to take place to ensure my mums care was exactly what she wanted. I am deeply passionate about this role because I feel it will positively impact lives at a time which can be highly emotive and challenging.

When a life limiting illness becomes part of someone’s story the needs of the individual and their family/carer can be complex.  I believe everyone should be able to access the incredible range of help available at Compton Care and out in the community. I want to encourage people to live as well as possible despite their diagnosis and for families to feel they have a safe space in which we can identify and support their needs.

If you think you or someone you know would benefit from this service, please contact Dee using the below:

Clinical Enquiries: 01902 774570, General Enquiries: 0300 323 0250.