Inpatient Care

A short stay in the Hospice in-patient unit may be needed to control some of the symptoms of an illness. Once the symptoms are controlled, the patient may return home where the home care team continues to provide support.

In the inpatient unit, patients can avail of treatment and advice from different members of the Multidisciplinary Team. The Multidisciplinary Team is made up of the following units:
• Medical
The medical team is led by the Medical Director and their aim is to ensure that patients get the best possible medical care. One of the medical staff is on-call 24 hours a day. Following admission the Doctor on duty will carry out a medical assessment. Each day the Doctor on duty sees the patient and their family. Together with the other team members they plan the patient's daily treatment to ensure that symptoms are controlled and the quality of the patient's stay is maximised.

• Nursing
The nursing team is led by the Nursing Director. The overall vision of nursing in the Hospice is to provide patient-centred care, practice which is evidence based and to work in true partnership with patients, their relatives and carers.

• Physiotherapist
The Physiotherapist can help to improve mobility, general strength and breathing difficulties and may also be able to provide treatment to relieve pain. If appropriate, patients can continue with physiotherapy following discharge by attending the Day Hospice.

• Social Worker
The Social Worker’s main responsibility is to recognise and respond to the psychological, social, emotional and practical needs of both patients and their families. They are trained to offer support and assess patients and their families' needs relating to issues of living with a serious or terminal illness, loss and grief.

• Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy Service offers patients, families, carers and staff the opportunity to explore their own thoughts, feelings, and spiritual hopes and fears. The Chaplain will listen to and respect people as individuals. The Chaplaincy Team liase with local Ministers and Priests, all of who visit patients in the Hospice on a regular basis. Prayer Services are available by arrangement with the Chaplain.

• Reflexologist
Reflexology can aid relaxation, ease anxiety as well as promoting a feeling of well-being. Regular reflexology sessions take place in the in-patient unit and in Day Hospice.

Admissions
Referrals are accepted from Hospital Consultants, General Practitioners (GP’s) and the Community Liaison Nurse. Patients being admitted to the Hospice from home should request that their GP arrange transport, if they are unable to travel by car.

For more information Download PDF Leaflet “Your Hospice, Patient Information”