Inpatient wards
We currently have two wards, Lourdes and St Michael’s, which have 17 beds each. Many people who stay on these wards will return home after a brief period of medical and nursing help.
In some cases, they have a crisis at home and need time away from it all. Some people on these wards are very ill and have chosen to spend the last few days or weeks of their life at the Hospice.
We provide the highest quality palliative care to our patients whether they are coming in for symptom or pain control, rehabilitation or for end of life care.
All our accommodation is single sex. On Lourdes Ward on the second floor We have two large bays that host four people and one bay for two people and a number of single rooms. We cannot always promise that a single room will be available but we will try our best to meet your requirements.
Each room has a bathroom with an assisted shower and bath facilities, a bedside locker equipped with a small fridge for drinks, a reading light and televisions are available. If you need help then there is a call button by your bed.
St Michael’s Ward on the first floor has three rooms that are flexible enough to accommodate one or two beds, the rest are all single rooms and all have en-suite facilities. There is a focus on communal areas that can be used for dining, family meetings or therapy with an adjacent sitting room where patients can make their own drinks and snacks, making if feel more like a home environment than a hospice ward.
We have Wi-Fi in all areas of the Hospice. Please let us know if you do not have a phone and wish to make a call.
Visitors
We have an open visiting policy, however to ensure the dignity, privacy and peace of all our patients we request that you avoid visiting before 10 am and aim to leave before 9pm.
We have protected meal times between 12.15pm and 1.15pm when we ask visitors to leave the ward unless you are assisting your loved one with their meal.
If a patient is nearing the end of life, we may be able to offer you accommodation overnight so that you can be with them. We ask that children under 16 do not visit the Hospice after 8pm.
If you have any questions about visiting, please speak to a member of the ward nursing team.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring clothes and footwear for during the day as we encourage patients to get dressed if they feel well enough. You will need nightclothes, dressing gown and slippers, toiletries, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, make up and shaving equipment.
Please bring books or magazines and your mobile phone, laptop or iPad. Please remember to bring any chargers you need. Our electrician will check these before they can be used and you will be responsible for these items.
You can also bring a small amount of money, as we have a café and we also offer some newspapers.
Bring all your medicines, which should be in labelled original boxes, bottles or blister packs and any dressings and medical equipment you use, for example catheters or breathing machines. If you use BIPAP and have a spare machine, please bring it with you.
Please also bring any outpatient appointment letters and transport details so that we can ensure you are still able to attend your appointments.
Please note we do not have the facilities to wash patients clothing.
Is there someone I can speak to if I am worried?
Of course, we’re here to help you so if you have any concerns or worries or concerns about what is happening to you please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff.
If they are unable to help you themselves, they will endeavour to find someone who can.
Rest assured, you are in safe hands and we will look after you.
Most of our patients are referred to us by a healthcare professional but you can also self-refer using this form and we will get in touch with you.
Alternatively, you can refer yourself by calling the First Contact Team on 0300 30 30 400 or email stjosephs.firstcontact@nhs.net.
