FAQs
What is the Hospice like?
The Hospice is bright and friendly with individual rooms on our In-patient Unit named after flowers. There are 12 of these in the in-patient unit and all have ensuite facilities. Three of the rooms have French windows leading to our front gardens and we also have a conservatory that overlooks those gardens. Four other rooms are large and three of these have showers whilst the fourth has a large disabled en-suite. All the rooms have their own TV/DVD and Radio/CD player.
We have lovely grounds and you can go outside onto the lawns or take a short walk through our very own woodland if you prefer somewhere quieter and more private.
We don’t have set times to wake up or for the Doctors to do ward rounds. We work around you and your day is just that. We will try to work around your normal routine as much as possible.
Can I bring my own food?
We have a full kitchen which will provide your meals but if there is something special that you would like then we will try to satisfy your request. Alternatively, you’re welcome to order a takeaway and even enjoy it with your visitors.
What are the visiting times?
Visitors are welcome at the Hospice at any time.
Please note that we do have restrictions in place at the moment due to Covid regulations. However, we are constantly reviewing these and will work with you to keep you informed of changes to our regulations.
In the meantime, additional visitors can remain in the grounds or outside the conservatory and we can help you talk to them via mobile phone or iPad. We have a small number of these available for patients to use on the inpatient unit.
Is it ok for children to visit me?
We welcome young people onto the inpatient unit and in the grounds. Covid 19 restrictions may not allow them to visit at the moment so we ask that you speak to the staff before arranging for children to visit.
Is it ok for pets to visit?
We welcome pets but at the moment they are not being allowed onto the ward due to Covid 19 restrictions. However, they can come outside your window or the conservatory to visit you.
Do you have any spiritual support?
Yes we have our own Chaplain and we also have links with other religious leaders in the community. However, if you wish your own spiritual leader to visit please speak to the staff and we will be pleased to enable that for you.
The Hospice has a quiet room dedicated for personal reflection and prayer and we have copies of the different spiritual books available for you to use too.
What should I bring with me?
We encourage you to bring things with you that make you feel more at home. Personal clothing, books and photographs. Because you’re coming into the Hospice it doesn’t mean that you have to give up your hobbies or that favourite sweater. You don’t have to stay in bed or wear bedclothes all of the time.
We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Who will look after me?
We have a dedicated Team able to care for your holistic needs. It consists of Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapist, Complementary Therapist, Chaplain, Family Support Advisors and a host of catering, housekeeping and administrative staff.
If you wish family members or friends to be involved in your care we can also accommodate that. However, we find that most people want the Team to take over care and to give families and friends quality time when visiting. We will work around your wishes to meet your needs and involve those whom you wish to be with be there.
Will you ask me what I want?
We provide patient-led care and everything will be focused on your needs and wishes. Throughout your stay we promise to listen and to be guided by your personal views, beliefs and wishes. We will give you time to discuss your care with the Doctors and Nurses regularly.
We learn from you and develop our care around our patients and the experiences that they bring to us.
What can you offer me?
The Team offers admission to the In-patient unit for pain and symptom control, for support following treatment such as chemotherapy and for other support at different stages of an illness.
We are not just here for end of life care and will look at the needs of your family too. We provide much more than medical care and are there for you emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. If you have a concern we want to know about it.
Can I smoke?
Yes, you can smoke in the outside gazebo or outside in the grounds. Smoking is not allowed inside the Hospice or at the front door.
Can I drink alcohol?
Yes, you may bring alcohol for personal use into the In-Patient unit. We don’t have any alcohol on the premises for you to buy.
Can I visit before I request a referral?
Yes, you may. Please ‘phone the Hospice on 01928 712728 and ask to speak to the In-Patient Team to request this.
Do I need money?
You may wish to bring some money to buy snacks, drinks and chocolate which are available from our reception area. Otherwise all our services are free of charge to our patients unless they wish to make a voluntary donation which would be gratefully accepted.
Does the ward have wi-fi?
Yes, we do have wi-fi and you may use personal iPads and mobile phones.
How long will I stay?
Most people stay around 14 days, depending upon the complexity of their problems. Some people can return home quickly but others stay longer. We don’t offer routine long-term care or respite care.
How will I cope when I go home?
We will begin planning your return home from when you arrive at the Hospice. You will only be discharged when the correct level of support is in place and you, your family and the relevant agencies are happy that it is.
What if I have a Hospital appointment during my stay?
If you wish to attend your appointment we can help with this. We can arrange an ambulance or if you aren’t feeling well enough to attend we can cancel or postpone the appointment.
Will you resuscitate me?
If you have notified us that you do not wish to be resuscitated we would respect these wishes.
If this is not the case then there is no simple answer and it would be considered on a case by case basis. The Hospice does not have full resuscitation facilities and would, in the event of an unexpected emergency, call 999. Whilst waiting for the ambulance we would commence CPR.
We would stress that this is something to discuss with the Doctor on an individual basis.
What other facilities do you have?
- Lounge
- Conservatory
- Visitor’s room
- Quiet room
- Therapy Room
- Bathroom (with hydrotherapy bath)
- Shower room
- Gardens and outside seating areas