In-patient Information

St John's Hospice, through its In-patient, Day Care and Out-patient services, provides specialist palliative care for people with severe and progressive disease which is no longer responsive to curative treatment.

We recognise that patients and those close to them have many and varied needs and through the whole team we will care for, and support them, as individuals during their illness.

During your stay, your care will be provided by specialist healthcare professionals who are responsible for the planning and delivery of your care. You are encouraged to discuss your care with any of them at any time.

As an In-patient you are fully assessed by a member of the medical and nursing team on the day of admission and then monitored closely throughout your stay.

Medical Staff

A team of doctors led by the Consultant in Palliative Medicine provides 24 hour medical care. Doctors in training may be working in the Hospice during your stay.

Nursing Staff

The specialist nursing team who will be caring for you are identified by the following uniforms:

The other members of the specialist team include:

The aim of this team is to maximise quality of life and to give support to those close to them.

In-patient check list

Here is a list of suggested items to bring with you for your stay in the Hospice:

Please note: All clothes and towels should be marked with your name to avoid loss, as St John's Hospice cannot be held responsible for personal belongings brought into the Hospice. Due to space constraints please arrange for large bags or suitcases to be taken home. We regret that no laundry service is available for patients' clothes etc.

Spiritual Care

We recognise that all patients, whether they practice their religion or not have spiritual needs. The support of the Chaplain and team may be requested through the nursing staff. We respect all faiths and access to them is available.

Visiting

The care we give here at the Hospice is not confined to the patient. We are also concerned for the welfare of the family and close friends. Consequently the guidelines for visiting are for the benefit of both patients and visitors:

Visiting Times

Visitors are welcome every day from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm with a quiet hour from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm when we ask visitors to leave the ward areas. During this 'quiet time' we use an aromatherapy diffuser which helps the patient to relax and staff give essential care only.

Telephones

We are pleased to be able to offer the use of a cordless telephone in the ward area so that family and friends can speak to patients in the comfort of their own beds. There is also a public telephone in reception. Unfortunately we cannot allow mobile phones to be used in the Hospice.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is allowed for patients in a designated area within the Hospice. For the safety of all persons we request that cigarettes, lighters and matches are handed to Nursing staff who will give patients access to them when required. Visitors who may wish to smoke should consult the nursing staff.

Parking

Parking space in the vicinity of the Hospice is limited and to enable access for ambulances and emergency vehicles we request that visitors do not park in front of or on the road leading to the Hospice main entrance.

Day Therapy Service

During your stay or at discharge, you may be advised to attend the Day Therapy unit which offers a range of support services aimed at rehabilitation.

Volunteers

A team of volunteers provides an invaluable support service to the Hospice. Their tasks include reception, kitchen and laundry duties, flower arranging, gardening, driving, maintenance and fundraising. In the ward areas their blue and red tabards can identify them.

Comments or Complaints

If you or your carer have any comment or complaint about any aspect of your care, or the service of the Hospice, please speak to the senior member of staff in charge.

Private Health Care

Private Health Care Insurers are willing to make a donation to the Hospice whilst you are an in-patient with us. To this end it would be helpful if you have Private Health Insurance (not Medicash) if you could let us have a note of your Policy Number and Insurance Company in order for us to receive this generous donation.

Fundraising

The demands on our Hospice services continue to grow – this year the cost of providing care to all our patients and their loved ones will be over £2 million, the bulk of which we need to raise from local voluntary sources.

Your help is both vital and appreciated. Can you support us by;

For further information please contact the Hospice Fundraising Department. Telephone: 0151 343 0778

Day Care Information

Day Care which offers a range of specialist services available to help you and your family or friends to cope with the difficulties arising from your illness and to enable you to continue living at home, and to enjoy a good quality of life.

Day Care is open Tuesday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) between the hours of 10.00 am and 3.00 pm.

We have a relaxed and happy atmosphere which we hope you will enjoy throughout your assessment time in Day Care which is staffed by a Specialist Palliative Care team.

Our Specialist Team Offers:

Attending Day Care

You are invited to bring along your main carer/friend for two of your visits to Day Care, usually the first and sixth visit. This enables a two-way “getting to know each other” and establishes a basis for understanding your particular lifestyle at home.

An experienced triage nurse will assess your needs at each visit and refer you to the appropriate member of the specialist palliative care team or outside agency as necessary.

Between weekly visits to Day Care, you remain under the care of your General Practitioner (GP) and will need to contact him/her if you are unwell between visits.

Transport

Family and friends are encouraged to bring you to Day Care but there is also a minibus, catering for all patients, which can collect you and take you home.

Charge for Services

All services are free of charge with a small charge for the hairdressing service. (A limited service only).

Smoking

The hospice has a no smoking policy but a room is available for those patients wishing to smoke.

Comments and Suggestions

Your comments and suggestions are welcomed as we strive to improve our service.

If you or your carers have any comments or suggestions about any aspect of your care or the services provided by the Hospice please discuss these with the Out-patient Services Manager or any other member of the Day Care team.

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