Staying at our Inpatient Ward
Patients facing a life limiting illness sometimes have physical, emotional and spiritual problems that aren't improving at home or in hospital. Short admission to the ward gives the team an opportunity to observe symptoms and the effect of treatments, with the aim of lessening their severity and frequency before transfer to another place of care. As well as symptom management, some patients may be admitted for care at the end of life or for respite care, where appropriate.
Our Inpatient Ward at the Hospice in Gravesend provides inpatient care for more than 200 patients per year from the age of 14. We provide specialist care to patients and their families in a warm and safe environment. Our team of staff aims to make stays comfortable by promoting a homely atmosphere, whilst providing the professional care patients need to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. We treat each patient individually and our care is centered around them and their families. Our nurses and doctors are experienced in palliative care and will ensure that care needs are met with dignity and respect.
The average stay is between seven to 14 days, however, every person is different and the stay will be based on needs. Needs are assessed daily and patients are encouraged to express how they are feeling and ensure that they are involved in their future care. The hospice isn't able to provide long term care placements; we can discuss alternative arrangements if this is needed. Discussions about discharge will commence when assessed as appropriate.
On admission, we ask about main contacts; who should be contacted first if needed and if patients are happy for us to share information with family members. If they want family members to be involved in providing care, we recommend speaking to a member of staff who can help achieve this.
