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Staying on the Inpatient Unit (IPU)

The Inpatient Unit has short-stay, en suite rooms. During your stay, we will focus on the issues that matter to you.

Most people under the care of St Wilfrid’s are supported at home or in a care or nursing home. Our hospice beds exist so that anyone who needs specialist palliative care (that cannot be provided in the community or another setting) can get the support and care they need.

You may be offered a short-term admission to our Inpatient Unit (IPU) so that our doctors, nurses, therapists and the wider team can provide more intensive support for your physical symptoms and emotional needs.

What to expect

You may feel nervous about a stay on the Inpatient Unit, and this is usual. Within a few hours of arriving, most people tell us they feel comfortable and settled. We will do our best to meet your individual preferences, please help us understand what they are.

All of our rooms are single rooms with an ensuite shower and toilet and access to our gardens.

 

How long will I stay?

The hospice is not a long-stay facility and the length of your stay will depend on your individual needs.

Some patients will die in the hospice, while others will be discharged back home or to a care or nursing home. We will discuss this with you and your family or carers. Some people may come back for another stay on the Inpatient Unit after they are discharged.

If you are unable to return home after a stay on our Inpatient Unit and require ongoing support in a care facility we will support you and your family to make choices about the right care or nursing home for you.

Photo by Rachel Manns
OT Nov 25 (1) WEB

Things you should know about an inpatient stay

Our code of conduct

We provide our support in line with our values: Compassionate, Professional, Progressive and Respectful. We are also committed to the FREDIE principles of Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement.

We ask all staff, volunteers, patients, family members and visitors to please:

  • Be kind.
  • Be respectful.
  • Be compassionate.
  • Be polite.
  • Be mindful of others.
  • Protect people’s dignity.

Poor conduct towards others is never ok. Our staff and volunteers may end an appointment or group session early if anyone is aggressive, abusive, violent or threatening. If an incident happens on hospice premises, the person may be also be asked to leave.

If you feel that your particular needs have not been met we’d like the chance to sort it out. Please speak to a member of the team and we will do our best to support you appropriately.

IPU Feb 25 (23) Web

The hospice is wonderful, it is the right place for me. I am getting very good care.

Patient

I was in a lot of pain at home. Being in the hospice has reduced the pain and made me more comfortable - so I can return home.

Patient

A warm glow, a lovely welcome, a pleasant smile, and a home from home.

Patient

it is an amazing place. You have no idea what it's like until you go in. It is peace and tranquillity and a wonderful atmosphere.

Family member

Find out more

A view of the front of the hospice building, with trees lining the path, and the white building in the background.
Visiting us

Our hospice on Broadwater Way on Eastbourne is a bright and welcoming space designed for the whole community. Find out how to get here.

Photo by Rachel Manns
Meet the team

Our teams wear different colours to help identify them. Find out who they all are.

Community Care (1) WEB
Supporting you at home

Most of our support is provided to people living in their own homes and in care or nursing homes.

Photo by Rachel Manns
24/7 Hospice Line

Day or night, you can call us for advice, support or reassurance. Hospice Line is for patients, families and healthcare professionals

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