In-Patient Service
Our In-Patient Service consists of 26 palliative care beds. Of these 12 beds are designated for acute care and the remaining 14 are used for longer periods of care for up to 3 months. We also have two beds designated for respite care (and this is sometimes planned for patients to have regular admissions) and two beds for patients with complex medical and care needs who have continuing health care funding. You are welcome to contact us for information about this type of funding if you need guidance about whether it might be appropriate for you or a member of your family.
Our beds are distributed across three floors, with each floor having its own team of nurses. This enables patients and families to get to know their professional teams better. All the floors have a mix of short and longer stay patients. Patients can choose between a single room or a bed in a four bedded bay (single sex) on the ground floor. Where we are not able to meet the patient's choice on admission, we will always try to meet their wishes at the earliest opportunity during their stay. We are committed to involving the individual and their families in all decisions about their care during what are often difficult times. Every effort is made to meet the individual's needs and to promote independence as far as possible.
People may be admitted for a variety of reasons:
- To manage symptoms that are difficult to control. Pain, nausea, sickness, shortness of breath and constipation are some of the most common problems with which we are asked to help.
- To allow Hospice staff to assess a specific problem. For example, we may be able to help with mobility or to help consider what support might be needed at home.
- To offer respite admissions so that carers can have a break and patients can enjoy our inpatient facilities at the same time.
- To provide care in the last weeks of life. For some remaining at home is not always possible and for others a hospital does not always feel the best place. We would like to emphasise that many people who are admitted to the Hospice are discharged home often with continuing support from the Hospice at Home team, or by attending our Day Therapy Centre on a regular basis.
How to Refer
Admissions can only be arranged via a GP, District Nurse, Macmillan Nurse, Hospital Consultant or other Hospice services.
However, patients of family members/carers are welcome to contact us directly and talk to the Clinical Lead Nurse about how to access our Hospice services. The telephone number is 01424 445177.
Healthcare professionals can download our Referral Form and either email, fax to 01424 456365 or return by post. These documents are also available through HARMLESS.
The Team
Patients and their families are cared for by our specialist and experienced medical and nursing teams, ably supported by volunteers.
Additional Services
Patients can access a range of additional services including:
- Physiotherapy
- Visits from our Chaplaincy team
A range of complementary therapies and counselling is provided by the Sara Lee Trust. If you wish to access any of these services please talk to any of the nursing staff.