GETTING THE RIGHT SUPPORT EARLIER WITH THE MYTON HOSPICE’S GP INFORMATION CLINIC

When someone is diagnosed with a long-term or life-limiting condition, it can feel overwhelming. Many people have questions about what support is available, what will happen next, and how to cope, not just for themselves, but for their families too.

The situation

Traditionally, hospice and palliative care services have been offered only when someone is rapidly deteriorating or nearing the end of life. In reality, hospices can support people from the moment they are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Late referrals can mean people miss out on valuable information, emotional support and practical advice at an earlier stage – when it could make a real difference.

Kenilworth and Warwick Primary Care Network (PCN) which includes Abbey Medical Centre, Avonside Health Centre, Castle Medical Centre, Chase Meadow Health Centre and Priory Medical Centre, listened to patients and carers across South Warwickshire. They said they wanted more time to talk things through, understand what support is available, and feel reassured about what the future might look like without feeling rushed or alone.

What we did 

Kenilworth and Warwick Primary Care Network (PCN) learned about The Myton Hospice’s GP Information Clinic, which was already running in neighbouring Leamington PCN. Recognising its potential to help people access the right support earlier, a partnership was formed between Kenilworth and Warwick PCN and The Myton Hospices to establish a GP Information Clinic in their area.

The clinic is run by an experienced Myton Registered Nurse and takes place twice a month, once at GP practices across Kenilworth & Warwick PCN and once across the Leamington North & South PCN.

Appointments are open to patients from any of the PCN practices. Support is provided through face-to-face encounters at any of the participating PCN surgeries, or by phone during a scheduled monthly clinic. 

Each appointment lasts around an hour, giving patients and their families dedicated time to:

• Talk about what matters most to them
• Discuss their diagnosis and how it may affect everyday life
• Learn about local services and support available, and if appropriate, onward referral to Myton services and other supportive organisations
• Think about next steps at their own pace

The Myton nurse works alongside GP practices and hospital teams and does not replace medical care or prescribe medication. Instead, they help make sure patients and families feel supported and know where to turn to. 

The clinic also supports carers and family members, recognising that a diagnosis affects the people around the patient too. 

Patients are referred by their GP or practice team to the clinic, so the service can be matched to those who will benefit most.

The outcome

The Myton Information Clinic has been very well received by patients, carers and GP teams, with appointments usually fully booked. 

Patients and families have said they feel more informed, reassured and supported after their clinic appointment, with a clearer understanding of what help is available and what happens next. 

All GP practices that are part of the PCN have referred patients into the clinic  and those that attended the sessions were connected to further support from The Myton Hospices including their Patient and Carers Wellbeing Service and Fatigue and Breathlessness Programme. Some patients were referred on to other health or care services including District Nursing, Social Prescribing, Age UK, Carers Trust, Dementia Support and Citizens Advice Service. 

Speaking about the service, patients said: 

“It’s great knowing such an important service is right here locally and accessible.”

“Having a service like this at my GP surgery is amazing. I found it really informative, thank you.”

“I’ve never had this long of an appointment with a doctor or nurse before to really talk about my condition and get an understanding what services are out there. It’s been great, very useful and I really appreciate the time you have given me today.”

“It was so helpful talking everything through, it gave me a completely different perspective on things and showed me what’s actually available. I’m incredibly grateful I came to the clinic.”

GP practices in the PCN have also seen benefits, with patients accessing support earlier and feeling more confident about managing their condition alongside existing care.

Dr Clare Stoddart from Castle Medical Centre in Kenilworth  said:

"It has helped us understand what wider services we can access through Myton for our patients.

“We have a much better understanding of how to get our patients the support they need for problems that emerge – both clinically and practically.”

The Myton Hospice’s Information Clinic has been recognised nationally, winning the Innovator in Care award at the 2025 Hospice UK Awards. This award celebrates services that improve people’s experience of care by trying new ideas and working in creative, supportive ways.

The success of the clinic has inspired interest from hospices across the country, many of which are now looking at how they can offer a similar service in their own communities.

The clinic continues to operate across South Warwickshire, supporting people to live as well as possible with their condition, with the right care at the right time.

For more information about Kenilworth and Warwick PCN and the services it offers, visit https://kenilworthandwarwickpcn.nhs.uk/.