Inpatient Services
Some patients, perhaps with an issue over symptom control or who have specific problems, may be best helped by a short stay in the Hospice Inpatient Unit (IPU). Problems may be physical in nature, such as pain or nausea, and the emphasis is on ‘sorting out’ symptoms so that patients can go home as soon as possible with the support of our community teams. Patients may need emotional or spiritual support and sometimes this will be the specific reason for admission.
Our aim is to provide specialist care and support for patients in a relaxed and friendly setting. Families, children, friends and pets are warmly welcomed (there is even a resident cat, Charlie, that loves people to make a fuss o
f him) with open access visiting, if this is what the patient wishes. Meals are prepared on the premises, fresh every day and every attempt is made to cater for dietary requirements. This support is also offered to families, friends and carers of the patient who often comment that ‘nothing is too much trouble’, when it comes to the care and attention given by the staff and the many Hospice volunteers. The emphasis in every circumstance is on ‘living’ and improving patients’ quality of life.
The Hospice unit is set in beautiful grounds and can accommodate up to 15 patients in its spacious four-bedded bays and single rooms with en-suite facilities, overlooking the gardens. There is also a bedroom available for relatives to stay overnight if they wish and many of the rooms have comfortable chairs that carers are welcome to sleep in.