St Gemma's In-Patient Care - St Gemma's Hospice

St Gemma’s In-Patient Unit

St Gemma’s In-Patient Unit provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to hundreds of local people each year. Patients benefit from round-the-clock care, tailored to their individual needs and wishes.

At times you may need the round-the-clock care and support provided by the St Gemma’s In-Patient Unit. Through specialist knowledge and skills, staff will aim to ease your symptoms and address any concerns you may have. We will care for you and your family as individuals and the professional team will consult you and, with your permission, those close to you about your care.

The In-Patient Unit consists of two wards, with a mixture of single and shared rooms with en-suite facilities. Your care team will include doctors, nurses, therapists, family support workers and spiritual care staff. It is our aim to provide you with the best possible, individual care 24 hours a day for the duration of your stay.

Moors Ward reception desk. Two receptionists are behind the desk and two nurses are standing at one end reading notes

Outside view of the Hospice In-Patient Unit - a 2-storey building with balconies, gardens and a water feature outside

Taking care of you and your family

Our professional team provide 24-hour expert care, 365 days a year. We offer emotional support for both you and those close to you, including children.

St Gemma’s welcomes and provides care to everyone regardless of people’s age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or diagnosis.

We will:

Offer a range of services to support your goals
Provide emotional support for both you and those close to you, including children
Be respectful of all beliefs, religions and cultures and tailor your care accordingly
Offer advice about practical issues such as money worries, social benefits and accessing equipment and services
Provide a flexible catering service to suit your own tastes and dietary needs
Show you to our chapel and quiet areas when you or your visitors need time to reflect
Provide bereavement and pre-bereavement support to you and those around you who may need it.

Our ‘Home from Home’ facilities:

Fully equipped bedrooms with TV, DVD, bedside phone for incoming calls and WiFi
Wide selection of freshly-prepared meals and snacks available throughout the day in Melvin’s Bistro
Rooms overlooking the stunning Hospice grounds and access to the therapeutic gardens
Outdoor children’s play area.

Further useful information:

How can I access the In-Patient Unit?

Your GP, district nurse or hospital team can refer you to our service, along with your St Gemma’s Community Nurse Specialist.

What should I bring with me on admission?

If you need the expert care offered by our In-Patient wards, you will need to bring with you your usual medication and any personal items, such as toiletries.

We recommend comfortable indoor clothing and nightwear, plus some well-fitting slippers or shoes to avoid the risk of falls. You can bring your mobile phone but we suggest that you leave other valuables at home.

Please feel free to bring any photos or small personal items that make you feel at home during your stay.

The In-Patient Unit is a no smoking environment. A smoking area is available for patients in the garden. Relatives or friends will need to accompany patients who wish to smoke.

What are the visiting times for the wards?

Our usual visiting hours are 8am – 8pm. This enables families and friends to spend time with patients, whilst giving all patients an opportunity to rest. There may be certain situations where visits outside of these hours can be accommodated; this needs to be agreed in advance with a member of the team.

Patient Services – In-Patient Care