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.
For more information on the services of our In Patient Unit, 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.
“I feel safe here, coming to St Cuthbert’s Hospice for respite care gives me a state of peace knowing that I am giving my family a break from caring
for me”. David Clegg from Newton Hall, Durham has had MS for the last thirty years, and was diagnosed with leukaemia in January 2007. Since then he
has spent three weeks in the In Patient Unit, for three planned sessions of respite care, and has now been told that his leukaemia has gone into
remission.
“When I am at St Cuthbert’s, I’m able to read, and listen to music, and collect my thoughts, having some peace and quiet is important. However, I
know that the doctors are keeping an eye on me and are talking to the other medical professionals who organise my care”.
The planned breaks are also important for David’s family, and particularly his wife Judith, who helps to care for him when he is at home. She said
“I look forward to the respite care because I know David is in a safe place and is being looked after well. It means I can recuperate and can go away
for a short break with peace of mind”.
David added “It’s very important for my wife and family – they must have their own lives, and time to do their own things. When I’m here enjoy the
fellowship of the other patients and staff, and the family are welcome to visit me at any time, and of course I look forward to going home and
spending time with my wife and children”.
“Being able to come and stay at St Cuthbert’s Hospice means a great deal to me – I know that I’m going to be looked after and that the staff are
helping me to deal with my pain. It’s very important that you have peace of mind, especially since I live on my own”. Eighty seven year old May
Marchant has just been admitted to the In Patient Unit for help with her medication. May was diagnosed with cancer in February 2007, and also suffers
from Crohns and Coeliac Disease.
She began attending the Day Hospice at the suggestion of her GP, and was admitted for help with her medication. May, who lives in Chester le Street
has two nephews who both live out of the area, and has been unable to go out for several months.
She said “The staff here are geared to looking after you and getting your medication right, which is difficult. I’m being well cared for here,
physically and spiritually, and everyone is very nice. Even the chef has been to talk to me about my diet and has offered to make me special meals.”