Frequently Asked Questions

The In-patient Unit (IPU) provides specialist palliative care that seeks to promote and maintain the best possible quality of life for you, taking into account the needs and wishes of you and your family.

We try to respond to all of the needs that a patient or family may have – whether that is for pain and symptom control, physical problems or issues of a spiritual, emotional, social or psychological nature.

The clinicians recently involved in your care, after discussion with you and your family, have decided that you would benefit from a stay on the IPU.

Patients are admitted for one or more of the following reasons:

• to help deal with symptoms that cannot readily be sorted out at home. These may include achieving adequate pain relief as well as other medical issues.
• to care for patients at the end of life, if that is their choice, and if it is not possible for them to be adequately supported and cared for in other places.

During a stay, patients will be cared for by members of the hospice team, which is made up of doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, chaplains, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, Citizens Advice Advisers and many others depending on a patient’s needs.

Patients can be visited each day between 12pm and 8pm.

When a person is approaching the very end of their life, we will talk with their family and loved ones about how we can support more relaxed visiting times.

Click to read the full details for visiting a loved one on our In-patient Unit.

Many people find a relatively short period of in-patient care makes a real difference to how they feel, and enables them to return home feeling more comfortable.

There is a high demand for beds at St Richard’s. This means we cannot be a permanent alternative to care either in your own home, your care home, or nursing home.

If your symptoms are well managed, but it would be difficult for you to return to your home, then we will always help you, your family and friends to find other places where you can continue your care.

Yes. St Richard’s provides specialist nursing care in people’s own homes so we can continue to support you and your family and friends when you return home. Our Hospice at Home team offers care and support, and they also work closely with GPs, district nurses and social services carers.

Our Advice and Guidance Line is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, or between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. You can access this via the main hospice number 01905 763963. Outside these hours, your call will be diverted to our In-patient Unit, where a member of the team can help with your enquiry. Click to find out more about the Advice and Guidance service.

If you would like to know more about these services, please talk to a member of the nursing team.

No. St Richard’s provides care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable and who have symptoms that need our specialist support.

While some people using our services may only have a few weeks to live, others may have many months or even years to live.

If you need to go to a hospital appointment we can arrange transport or you can make your own arrangements.

We know that many patients and families like to show their appreciation of staff through giving presents but staff are not able to accept individual gifts. Find out how to make a donation and support St Richard’s.

Referrals to our In-patient Unit can be made by health care professionals. Click here for more information.

Patients, or a person close to them, can speak to our Advice and Guidance Line 01905 763963 for support. 

The line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, or between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Outside these hours, calls are forwarded to our In-patient Unit. 

We will ensure other healthcare professionals who are supporting you are kept informed of your referral.

St Richard’s has a zero tolerance policy for illegally procured drugs. Please do not bring any illicit substances, including cannabis, onto our premises. Any patients or visitors who refuse to comply with this policy will be discharged or asked to leave, and the hospice Crime Prevention Police Officer will be informed.