We have an in-patient unit with two wards and we try to make the environment welcoming and relaxed.  We staff the wards to nurse up to 18 patients, allowing nurses more time to spend with patients and relatives.

Each ward has single rooms, four-bedded bays and deep Jacuzzi baths.  Most of the rooms open out onto the garden and paved patio area to allow easy access to the peace and tranquillity of the gardens.  We also have a relatives’ room where family members, friends and carers can stay overnight.  Our wards also offer an important training environment for medical and nursing professionals.

Over 50 per cent of our patients are discharged after a short stay.  Admission to our in-patient unit may be suggested by any of the healthcare professionals involved in patient care, for example GPs, St Catherine’s community nurses or hospital consultants.  Patients are admitted for a variety of reasons:

• Assessment – a period of close observation to clarify palliative care needs and plan necessary care
• Symptom Control – to improve symptoms.  This may involve a specific, pre-planned intervention, e.g. blood transfusion
• Respite – a planned admission for an agreed period of time to provide a break for both patients and carers.  This may be required when a patient has a high level of ongoing palliative care need and is being cared for at home with support from the St Catherine’s community nurse and other healthcare professionals
• End of life care.