In-Patient Unit (IPU)
The in-patient unit at Katharine House Hospice is a specialist palliative care unit for people over the age of 18.
Palliative care aims to help those with an incurable illness have the best quality of life as possible, along with their families and carers.
We support people with heart, kidney or liver failure, severe lung disease, multiple sclerosis, progressive neurological conditions and other incurable conditions. We’re also here to support their loved ones every step of the way.
If you’re living with an incurable illness and would like support, your GP or doctor can refer you to our services.
You can also self-refer by calling our advice line 01785 270832 during weekday office hours, 9 am – 5 pm.
Support for patients and their families
We can support patients and their families in a variety of ways. These include:
- managing physical symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting or breathlessness
- emotional, psychological and spiritual support
- end of life care
- support for families and carers.
What happens once we received the referral
Once we have received the referral from your health care professional, it will be discussed at a meeting with doctors and nurses. These meetings are held daily and look at all recent referrals made to the hospice.
During the meeting, a decision may be made to either admit you to the in-patient unit or refer you to another more appropriate service. We will then contact your health care professional to inform them of this decision. In some cases, no decision can be made on the day. This usually happens if we feel you need admission but we do not have any beds at the time. In this case, your referral will be discussed again at the next meeting.
What will happen if I am admitted?
When you are admitted to the hospice, you will initially be seen by a doctor and a nurse who will ask you about your illness and any troubling symptoms or concerns.
A plan of care will then be agreed to help manage these and you’ll be reviewed on a regular basis so that any adjustments to your plan of care can be made.
Nursing staff will be available to care for you 24 hours a day. You and your carers will also have access to other services such as counselling and complementary therapies.
During your admission we are likely to discuss your discharge options, wishes and needs. Depending on your circumstances, you may be discharged back home with or without support from carers. If your care needs cannot be met at home, you may need to be discharged to a full-time place of care such as a nursing home.
We will carefully organise your discharge with you and your family, making sure you have everything you need before you leave. You will continue to be reviewed during the discharge process.
Visiting for family and friends
Everyone is welcome! Family and friends can visit as often as they’d like – there are currently no visiting restrictions.
Your time together is precious and our space is here to cherish moments with your loved one.
If you’d like to bring or deliver something special for a loved one like flowers, cards, or a teddy bear, that’s absolutely fine.
We’ve also had furry four-legged friends visit before, and we know how much it means. If you’d like to bring a pet, please contact us on 01785 254645 to ensure it’s a comfortable experience for everyone.
If you have any Covid symptoms – high temperature, cough, loss of smell or taste – please call us on 01785 270832 to seek advice before visiting the Hospice.
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