What happens when you're admitted to the Inpatient Unit?
The Inpatient Unit team meets each morning to discuss admission requests, which may come from our community nurses, GPs or hospital colleagues. We plan admissions based on the urgency and complexity of a patient’s needs. This may mean you have to wait for a few days before a bed is available. We try to respond to urgent requests outside of normal working hours, including over weekends and bank holidays.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring all your current medication with you, including any over the counter medications. You will also need to bring in your own toiletries, clothing and nightwear. Unfortunately we can’t launder your clothing, so a family member or friend would need to do this for you during your stay.
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while you're with us, so feel free to bring in photo frames, cushions, etc. to make you feel at home. Your personal property remains your responsibility, so we advise against bringing in valuable items or excess money.
What are the visiting hours?
There is currently no limit as to who can visit or the number of visitors on the Inpatient Unit, but we ask that each patient only has two visitors in their room at any one time. Please ask to speak to the nurse in charge if you need further advice on how we can facilitate visiting.
Children who are a close family member can visit with a maximum of 2 adults.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, please do not visit until you have spoken to the Inpatient Unit nursing team. We will advise if a visit is possible, by putting in place extra precautions.
Please contact the Inpatient Unit on 0117 915 9431 should you wish to discuss anything related to this guidance.
Is there any parking?
Free parking is available in the hospice car park, which also has some dedicated disabled parking spaces. If our car park is full, you’ll find on street parking available on neighbouring roads.
How are meals arranged?
We prepare your meals on site and can cater for any special dietary requirements. Our coffee shop is open to visitors from 11am-4pm, offering a selection of sandwiches, salads, soup, cake and hot drinks. Staff will provide hot and cold drinks on request if required. If visitors are staying in the Inpatient Unit, the catering team will supply a main meal at lunchtime and suppertime from the main menu.
What is the smoking policy?
We ask that everyone who comes to St Peter's Hospice takes note of our smoking policy.
We understand that not being able to smoke when you need to can cause distress. You will be offered nicotine patches, gum or inhalators to support you during your stay with us.
There is a designated smoking area for patients, but please be aware that Inpatient Unit staff are not able to take you there. Our staff have a responsibility to know where you are at all times, so if you do plan to go to the smoking area, please tell them. The smoking area is not accessible at night because the building is secured and alarmed.
Unfortunately we cannot recharge e-cigarettes within the hospice because of the potential fire risk. Please give your e-cigarettes to family members or carers to take home to recharge for you.
What about returning home?
We are not able to provide long term inpatient care, so most patients stay with us for around two weeks. Some people will return home, while others may move to a nursing home for longer term care. Other patients may spend the last days of their life here at St Peter's. Whatever your situation, our team will plan your discharge in full discussion with you and the people closest to you.
