Care on our wards

Frequently Asked Questions:

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Who is responsible for suggesting that I should be admitted?

Admission may be suggested by any of the healthcare professionals involved in your care, for example your GP, your St Catherine’s community nurse or your hospital consultant.

Why might I be admitted as an in-patient?

A common myth is that people only come into a hospice to die. The reality is very different. Patients are admitted for a variety of reasons:

Assessment – a period of close observation to clarify your palliative care needs and to plan further care.

Symptom Control –to improve the symptoms you are currently experiencing. 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 is typical 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.

Terminal care – to provide care and support in the last few days of life.

How long will I have to wait before a bed is available?

Admission requests are discussed every working day and prioritised accordingly. A member of the hospice team will keep you and your family/close friends informed as to bed availability.

We obviously hope to offer you a bed as soon as is possible but there may be a short delay before we can arrange admission. 

If there is a delay, we will be available to offer you support and advice in the interim or you may need to be admitted to hospital.  We would then make arrangements for your transfer when a bed is available.

Who will look after me on the ward?

Nursing staff

The ward nursing team will be primarily responsible for your day to day care.

The nursing team will vary depending on the time of day, but the team is made up of a ward sister, senior and staff State Registered Nurses (SRNs) and nursing assistants.

We try to ensure that the staff to patient ratio is as high as possible to enable staff to spend more time with you and your family.

St Catherine’s plays an important role in training student nurses in palliative care by providing placements for students from Brighton and Guildford Universities.  All student nurses are carefully supervised.  If you would prefer to be looked after purely by hospice staff, we will respect your wishes.

If you have specific requirements or requests please ask a member of the nursing team. As far as possible we will try to meet your individual requests.

Medical Team

You will meet with one of the doctors on the day of your admission and a member of the medical team will usually see you on most days to review your treatment and discuss any suggested changes to your care.  Please ask a nurse if you would like a family member or close friend to be present.

The consultants do ward rounds twice a week . 

If you or your relative, carer or friends wish to see a doctor or nurse at other times, then please discuss this with the nursing team who will arrange a time, date and venue.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your care with any team member away from your bedside, we will endeavour to make an alternative space available.

No discussions will take place about you between hospice staff and your relatives or carers without your consent.

Housekeeping staff

You will also meet our dedicated housekeeping staff who are responsible for ensuring a clean and pleasant ward environment.

What is the routine of the day?

There is a welcome booklet at each bedside detailing the times of daily activities, for example: meal times, day hospice, and other services.

Each patient’s day will differ depending on their individual care plan. You may see other members of the Hospice team to help with specific areas of your care or just spend time in the garden or resting in bed.

You are welcome to visit the Day Hospice to participate in any activities or take lunch in the conservatory.

As a local charity we are often visited by our supporters and donors. The hospice critically relies on voluntary donations and we need to actively fundraise. You may see these visitors being accompanied by a non medical member of hospice staff but they will not interfere with your care or routine.


Does the hospice provide everything that a hospital does?

No, occasionally, medical situations can occur which require specialist equipment, investigation and management which cannot be provided at  St Catherine’s Hospice. In this event we will discuss a temporary transfer to hospital with you and your family or carer.

One of these situations may be a sudden unexpected collapse or cardiac arrest.  If this happens, we would aim to relieve any pain or distress but would not be able to provide full resuscitation or intensive care support.  If we felt you needed this level of care, we would arrange an urgent transfer to hospital.  Please feel free to discuss this with one of the medical or nursing team if you have any concerns.

Does St Catherine’s provide long term care?

No, we are unable to provide long term care.

However there are certain circumstances when continuing palliative care is offered. For example:

When a discharge from the hospice to home or to a nursing home is not appropriate due to the complexity of palliative care needed.

If continuing deterioration is anticipated in the near future.

If a patient is awaiting a booked nursing home place.

 If your physical status is stable but your social situation is such that it is unsafe for you to be at home, then we will offer continuing care whilst you or your family organise a nursing home placement.

What do I need to bring in with me?

Please bring in all your medication that you are currently using.

You will need to arrange for a family member, carer or friend to take your medication home after the doctor has seen you on the day of your admission. Medication left at the Hospice may have to be destroyed, which will mean your medication will not be available on your return home.

Any clothes, toiletries or special items that will make your stay more comfortable.

We do have a safe for valuables but would advise you to leave large sums of money/jewellery at home.

Any electrical goods you bring in must be checked by our maintenance team prior to use.

What if I carry a donor card?

If you carry a donor card, it is important that you discuss this with one of the nurses because there are specific rules and regulations regarding organ donation. 

What are the visiting times?

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit at any time but the wards are particularly busy in the morning.  It can be tiring for patients to receive visitors, so it may be wise to bear this in mind. Please talk to the nursing team if you are concerned.

We have 'protected mealtimes' (breakfast - 8.15 - 9.00 am, lunch - 12.15 - 1.15 pm).  Supper time remains unaffected.   If possible, please avoid visiting during these times.  However, if you are helping a patient with their meal, or you are unable to visit at any other time, you are welcome.

Can my relatives and friends telephone to ask how I am?

Yes, but consideration is appreciated as the nurse caring for you may be busy when they telephone.  In this event, the receptionist will take their number and the nurse will call them back as soon as is possible.

Is there a patient telephone?

There is a portable bedside coin phone for you to receive/make calls.

To respect patient privacy, we would request that you have your mobile set to silent.

Can I smoke?

Smoking is not permitted within St Catherine’s Hospice. This is for the safety and comfort of all our patients and staff. Smoking may take place outside the hospice building in the designated smoking area. Please dispose of your cigarette ends responsibly.

If you need to smoke but are unable to smoke independently, please ensure a member of your family, friend or carer is available to help you.

Please discuss this with your community nurse prior to admission.  You can speak to any member of the hospice team on how to cut down or stop smoking.

Can my pets visit?

Yes, as long as they are kept under control and are housetrained.

Pre-arrangement with the nursing team is required.

 
Is there a choice of meals and will I be able to choose myself?

Yes, there is a multiple choice menu for each day and you may choose as much or as little as you require.

A member of the nursing staff will bring you a menu each day to choose the next day’s meals. They will help and assist you with your choice.

Would I be able to have an alternative if there is nothing on the menu I like?

Yes, simply ask the member of staff who is doing your menu with you to ask the kitchen for an alternative.

If I follow a specific diet, how can the catering team help?

Please ask a member of the nursing team if a chef from the kitchen could call and see you so you can talk about any concerns you may have.

Do I have to wait for the tea trolley to come round to get a tea/coffee?

No, a member of the nursing staff will always be happy to get you a beverage when you would like one.

A visit to our coffee shop makes a welcome change of scene.

Are there any facilities for my visitors?

When away from your bedside, your visitors are welcome to use the relatives’ rooms, main octagon sitting area, quiet room, conservatory and garden. Please feel free to use these areas for time on your own or with your visitors.

Our coffee shop offers a wide range of light meals, snacks, confectionary, plus hot and cold drinks. The shop also sells toiletries, gifts and cards. The coffee shop is run with the help of many volunteers. It is open Monday – Friday between 10am and 4 pm.

Visitors may be offered a drink from the ward trolleys. Donations towards the cost of providing this service are always greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately it is not possible to provide meals to relatives. Meals are available from the coffee shop which also has a limited vending service for out of hours.

If your nursing team have discussed the possibility of your relatives staying overnight, then they will explain the arrangements available to you.

Visitors toilet facilities are located in the main reception area.

We respectfully request that visitors do not use mobiles within the ward areas.

Please be aware that we request that visitors use the alcohol hand rubs on entering and leaving our wards.  The gel dispensers are clearly labelled and located in the entrance corridors.

Ward Discharge Arrangements

What preparations will be made prior to my discharge home?

Sometimes discharge home is straightforward. In this event, the time and date will be discussed with you and your relatives or friends.

Prior to discharge we will order one weeks supply of medications and provide you with a drug card and explanation of your medication regime.

We will either give you a letter for your GP and district nurse to take with you, or we will post it to them. We will also inform anybody previously involved in your care, e.g. Social Services, so that they are aware that any services provided to you need to restart.

If you are under the care of one of the St Catherine’s community nurses, this support will be re-instigated on discharge.

If you are unable to organise transport home, or you cannot get into a car, then we will book transport for you through the ambulance service or Day Hospice volunteer transport service.

What if the discharge is more complicated?

If your physical or social situation has changed, then this may mean that we have to make further plans prior to you going home. This may involve a home visit, or an arranged meeting with other professionals who can help with your care at home.

Your nursing team will keep you informed and liaise with you and your family, relatives or friends. Please do ask if you are concerned.