Admission To In-Patient Unit
Welcome
We very much hope that you will find your time with us beneficial and we would like to help you feel comfortable, relaxed and at home, so we have set out some useful information in this 'Patient's Guide', and hope that you will contact us if there is anything further that you wish to know.
What to bring
When staying overnight we suggest that patients have the following items, as appropriate:
Night wear, day wear (two sets), dressing gown, slippers, shoes. Towels and flannels are provided. Personal toiletries should include: hand wipes, tissues, soap or shower gel, tooth brush and tooth paste, comb or brush. The Hospice can launder your clothing - please ensure it is clearly marked with your name.
Valuables
Please do not bring valuable jewellery or large amounts of money. The Hospice cannot accept responsibility for the loss of personal items that are not deposited in the safe. If you bring any items of personal equipment please note that any electrical items must be tested prior to use.
Meals
Patient's meal times are as follows:
Breakfast - 8:00am
Morning coffee/tea - 10:00am
Lunch - 12 noon
Afternoon tea - 3:00pm
Evening meal - 5:00pm
Supper drink - 8:30pm
Our chef will be pleased to meet with you to discuss your personal diet and to arrange for any special requests or favourites to be available. Our catering staff are very experienced in understanding dietary needs in relation to medical requirements.
Visiting
We do not have any set visiting hours. However, we ask visitors to avoid early mornings if at all possible. Visitors are asked to report to Reception or the Nurse in Charge on entering the building. If a member of family or close friend needs to stay overnight this can be arranged. Children are welcome, however please ensure that they are supervised at all times in order to guard them against hazards. Visitors are kindly asked to use the antiseptic gels available to ensure that our stringent infection prevention measures are maintained.
Patient Care
Our doctors and nurses will agree with you a personalised plan for your care. All aspects of your care, and any proposed changes to it, will be discussed with you. Please do not hesitate to ask a member of nursing staff or doctor if you or your family have any concerns about your condition or treatment.
If you wish to see any information held about you eg. reports, NHS number - please ask.
Confidentiality
We are happy to discuss your care with your family or other people important in your life but we will only do so with your permission.
Each week a meeting is held in the Hospice to discuss patients' progress. This meeting includes doctors, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, chaplain and a Hospice Director. All information is respected and treated in strict confidence.
Relevant information is also shared with others involved in your care, for example, your General Practitioner and District Nurse.
If you would prefer us not to share this information, please let the nurse in charge know and your wishes will be respected.
We will not provide any information about you or your care to other parties without your consent.
Complaints
At St Catherine's we make every effort to ensrue that best possible care is provided in a personalised way to patients and families. However, if you have any concern, complaint or comment about the service or treatment provided to you, please do not hesitate to speak to the nurse in charge. A copy of our 'Compliments, Comments and Complaints' leaflet is readily available with details of who to contact at the Hospice or if you prefer, agencies outside the Hospice.
Welfare Benefits
You may be entitled to financial help such as Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. Please ask to speak with one of our Family Support Team who will be able to advise you; or you may have an appointment with a Welfare Rights Worker who visits the Hospice each month.
Private Health Insurance
Our care is provided free of charge, however most private health care insurers will make a payment to the Hospice under the terms of a private health insurance policy. St Catherine's is a registered charity and generates most of its funds by charitable means so any available income from private health insurance helps us to maintain our high standards of service. Please let us know if this is applicable.
Chaplaincy
Our chaplains are available for people with secular or spiritual beliefs. They are here to help you have the space and time you may need for reflection and religious observance. Our chaplaincy team are here to visit you, should you so wish, and your privacy will always be respected. If you have any special requirements please do not hesitate to let us know.
Going home
It is our aim to work together with patients to improve levels of comfort and quality of life so that people feel able to go home or to another care environment. Discharge from the Hospice is planned carefully following discussion with patients, carers and multi-disciplinary professionals so that transition from the Hospice will take place smoothly and effectively. Nursing staff will supply you with written information about your discharge.
Statement of Purpose (Summary)
St Catherine's Hospice is a provider of specialised palliative care for adult people living in Chorley, Longridge Preston and South Ribble. Care is provided unconditionally regardless of personal or cultural issues. Hospice Care considers all the factors that affect people who are living with an incurable condition so that distressing symptoms can be relieved, reassurance found and where possible, independence achieved. Clinicians work closely together with patients and families to provide care that is both personalised and dignified.
