Our In-Patient Unit

To many the heart of a hospice is the in-patient unit. In reality it is just part of service we offer to those with terminal or life-limiting conditions.

In general the unit provides specialist care for people whose condition can no longer be managed at home or for whom an at home service is inappropriate for any number of reasons.

We have eight single en-suite rooms available plus a four bedded unit, each single room equipped with a electrically adjustable bed and we have an assortment of specialist mattresses that are used to ensure the comfort of the patient.

Each room has its own flat screen freeview TV with a built in DVD player, Radio and CD player. The rooms are bright and airy and lookout into the hospice garden. (in the summer it is possible to move the bed into the garden).

A nurse call system is in place as is piped oxygen in every room.

The room also has a large reclining patients chair, small table and visitors chairs as well as a sofa-bed should relatives which to stay overnight.  (we also have a twin bedded visitors room available should this be required whether for a stay or just somewhere to chill-out).

Our four bedded ward enables patients to enjoy some companionship from fellow patients and many a giggle or laugh is heard emanating from this area of the hospice.  As with the single rooms each bed is equipped with a special mattress and a TV, CD player, etc. is available for every patient. 

The four bedded ward is a popular alternative to the single rooms and whilst it does not enable relatives to stay overnight with the patient the self-help and support patients can give each other can be of great benefit.

Admissions to the in-patient unit normally take the form of symptom control/management, assessment, relief for carers (respite) or end of life care.

Referrals to all hospice services must be made on our approved  referral form

Referrals for admittance to the inpatient unit and hospice services will be accepted form General Practitioners (GPs), Hospital/Hospice Doctors, Community Nurses, Social Workers and Hospital and Community Macmillan Nurses.

Referrals to hospice services and requests for admission to the in-patient unit are discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting each week day.

Urgent requests for admission to the in-patient unit will also be considered.

On acceptance, referrals are assigned to the requested /appropriate palliative care service.

We aim to inform those referring of the decision the same day.

Copies of recent hospital letters, relevant past medical history and current medication regimes are requested in addition to the referral form.