In-Patient Unit
The ten-bed In Patient Unit was opened in September 2006, and allowed St Cuthbert’s to provide 24 hour care for the first time. The unit provides holistic care to patients and their carers. Each spacious bedroom has en-suite facilities, and access to a veranda overlooking the gardens.
The unit cares for people with complicated medical needs, and admissions are made for help with symptom management, short term planned care to support relatives and carers, and for end of life care.
The unit is staffed by a team of experienced professionals, and medical cover is supported by doctors with palliative care skills, with support by Consultants in Palliative Medicine.
The unit operates an open visiting policy, and relatives and friends are encouraged to visit at any time.
To view our In-Patient Welcome Pack, please click here.
Referrals to the In Patient Unit may be made by community based or hospital medical staff, and will be assessed by the hospice medical team on a daily basis.
Julie's Story
Speaking in July 2010, Julie said, "I’ve been at the hospice a week, after several weeks in hospital – I knew I wasn’t well enough to go back home from hospital and wouldn't be able to cope with things like stairs. Here, I’ve got strong enough to walk around and I’ve had the chance to come on further here.
"The food at the hospice is out of this world. Home-cooked meals, delicious cakes... It’s a world away from hospital. I’ve been able to build my strength up.
"It’s really a home from home here, and everyone is lovely, from the nurses to the cleaners and cooks. Instead of a window that opens six inches in a stuffy hospital room, I’ve got my own veranda and French windows. I feel relaxed at the hospice – it’s lovely. Nothings worse than being cooped up in a room, crawling the walls. But to be here, I can walk out onto the veranda, get some fresh air, feel the sun on my skin and walk through the grounds. It’s very quiet and peaceful.
"I’d been bed-bathed for six weeks in the hospital but here I can have a Jacuzzi bath, which is much more comfortable.
"I am also over the moon that my dog can visit me here! She’s very much a part of the family and a visitor like anyone else, but I hadn’t seen her for seven weeks until I came to St Cuthbert’s. She can run about in the grounds from the veranda, so we can keep an eye on her, and the nurses love seeing her. It gives me a real lift to see her."