St John's Hospice In-patient Unit

Admission to the Hospice

A professional involved in your care or someone close to you will have referred you to the hospice. The referral will have been discussed with the professional hospice team beforehand to enable us to prepare for your admission. Most patients stay on average approximately two weeks, but if further care is needed, this will be discussed with you.

When you come in, you will need toiletries, nightwear and a small amount of day wear. You do not need to bring towels. Please also bring all the medicines and any dressings you are currently using. It would also be helpful if you bring with you a supply of any supplementary feeds you may be taking. Details of any impending hospital appointments are also useful.

You will be allocated a 'named nurse' who is initially responsible for planning your care and ensuring that this plan is implemented and evaluated throughout your stay. All this is done in conjunction with a doctor specialising in palliative medicine. A member of the nursing team is always available to discuss any problems relating to your illness and to answer any questions that may arise. They can also arrange for you or your family to talk to the doctor or another member of the multidisciplinary team. All nursing staff wear the same uniform and are usually addressed by their first name.

During your stay you will meet various members of the multidisciplinary palliative care team.

Personal Belongings

Any small personal items you wish to have may be brought into the hospice. We suggest that valuables or large amounts of money be left at home. If this is unavoidable please hand them in to the nursing staff for safe keeping and a receipt will be given. The hospice cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to any personal belongings that you bring with you.

Laundry facilities are available for your personal clothing.

Meals / Beverages

Meals are prepared by the hospice catering team. A choice of menu is available and special diets can also be provided. Beverages can be served at any time and also light snacks on request. Meals are served at the following approximate times.

Breakfast 8.15 am
Lunch 12.30 pm
Tea 5.00 pm

Visitors are welcome to bring in any special treats for you and are also welcome to use the ward kitchen. However, we ask that children do not use the kitchen facilities.

During Mealtimes we respectfully request that all visitors refrain from using the kitchen.

Visitors

Family and friends, including children, are welcome to visit you at any time. Facilities are available for visitors to stay overnight, however please remember that you and your family and carers need time to rest. The supervision of children remains the parents/adults responsibility at all times.

There are no restaurant facilities at the hospice for visitors, however nearby Tickhill Road Hospital provides this service. There is also a coffee shop and W.R.V.S shop within the main foyer at Tickhill Road Hospital that can be easily accessed from the hospice.

If a visitor is staying overnight with you, then a cooked breakfast will be offered to them along with light meals during the day. There is no charge to visitors for beverages, but donations are gratefully accepted. A box in the ward kitchen is provided for this purpose.

A family room is available where you or your visitors can relax in private. Facilities available include a television, video and DVD player, along with a small selection of toys. There is also a separate conservatory with seating and a television.

Relatives and friends may enquire about your wellbeing at any time of the day or night by telephone. For large families it is sometimes helpful to have a "spokesperson" through whom enquiries can be filtered. There is also a portable telephone that can be brought to your bedside so that calls can be made or received. The following numbers may be helpful: -

Hospice reception – 01302 - 796666
Hospice ward area – 01302 -796655

A kiosk telephone is also available near Daycare.

You may have a mobile phone and this may be used within the hospice. However, please be respectful of other people when making and receiving your calls.

Pets

You are welcome to receive visits from your pet, however please check with nursing staff first.

Leisure

Daily newspapers can be ordered by arrangement. You have your own television/video at the bedside and we have a small selection of videos. You may also wish to bring your own videotapes in to watch. We also have a selection of music tapes and books for your enjoyment.

Smoking

St. John's Hospice operates a no smoking policy for staff, however, facilities near the day care area are available should you wish to smoke.