The In-Patient Unit

The In-Patient Unit (IPU) provides short term care – usually a maximum of seven to ten days – for Dorothy House patients. It is a safe and comfortable environment where dedicated nursing care and input from other Dorothy House Professionals is available.

There are a number of reasons for admission to the In-Patient Unit.  

• Some people come in for a few days to have their needs assessed and for relief of difficult symptoms such as pain or anxiety.

• Some spend a week on the Unit to give a full-time carer a break.

• Others are admitted to help them adjust to physical changes resulting from their illness and to allow the physiotherapy and occupational therapy team to work closely with them.

• A number of patients come in for the last few days of their lives.

Being admitted to the IPU

The In-Patient Unit has nine bedrooms and can accommodate ten patients (one room is shared).  All rooms are en-suite and have beautiful views and easy wheelchair access to the grounds. Each room has a TV/DVD player with Freeview, a CD and cassette player, a cord free telephone and we are able to provide internet access via a laptop computer.

What do I need to bring?
Useful items for your stay include

• Day and night clothes (and spare clothing).

• Toiletries.

• Any medicines, lotions and dressings you are using.

• Any personal comfort items e.g. pillow, photographs, CD’s and DVD’s.

• Any equipment you normally use e.g. walking stick, Zimmer frame.

• Your mobile phone and charger.

• Squash, sweets, fruit, wet wipes, books if wanted.

• You may wish to bring a small amount of money to purchase small items from our vending machine.

You may also bring your own laptop computer if you wish, as wi-fi is available.
Please note that we cannot accept any liability for any valuable items you bring with you.  
Towels are provided.
You will need to make arrangements for your personal laundry.

There is a no smoking policy for staff, volunteers and visitors.  In-patients are permitted to smoke only in the designated outdoor area, in agreement with the nursing team.  Nursing staff do not accompany patients to the smoking area.

Visiting Times:
Visitors are welcome at any time but, if you need to rest or are receiving personal care, visiting may be restricted after discussion with you.
We also welcome children and have a family room which all visitors can use, with a TV, DVD player, toys and arts and craft equipment. There is a children’s play area in the grounds.
If you would like your pet to visit please check with the nursing staff.

What we can offer you as a patient:

• A high ratio of nurse/patient care, providing for your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

• A catering team who will discuss your individual requirements with you on a daily basis.  You will be able to have your meals either in your bedroom or in the dining room with your family or other patients.  We will offer you an aperitif before dinner and supper if your medication regimen allows this.

• A daily consultation with a doctor to assess your medical needs and requirements.

• Access to other members of the multi-disciplinary team appropriate to your needs e.g. a lymphoedema specialist.

• Physiotherapy to assist with mobility, breathing or fatigue problems.

• Occupational therapy to assist how you manage daily tasks, with safe discharge planning, equipment needs and care required when you are back home.

• Social Worker to assist you with financial matters and discharge planning.

• A Chaplain to provide a listening ear to you and your family and carers irrespective of your belief or faith.  

• Access to the chapel, a peaceful room with beautiful views across the grounds.

• Complementary therapy to help you to relax and sometimes alleviate symptoms.  (Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki and massage are offered by trained volunteers.)

• Creative therapy including arts and crafts and the opportunity to write life stories.

• Access to the internet via a laptop computer.

• Handset telephone in your room.  You can receive and make local calls.  Received calls will be routed through the main telephone system and transferred to your room.

• We can arrange for a hairdresser and manicurist to visit if desired.

• We can arrange for a chiropodist to visit if required (there is a charge for this service).

• If you would like your close family or carer to stay the night, this can be discussed with the nursing staff.  We have an en-suite overnight room with tea/coffee making facilities for relatives.

• Your room will be cleaned daily by our dedicated housekeeping staff.

Student Placement
We offer health and social care placements on a regular basis and, if you agree, they will be involved in your care.  All students are supervised by Dorothy House Professionals who have completed appropriate training.


Volunteers provide help on the Unit in a wide range of activities: nursing, driving, preparing teas and suppers, companionship.


To be referred to the in-patient unit please see our referrals section



Mixed-Sex Accommodation Declaration of Compliance
Because Dorothy House has a contract with the NHS to provide services to patients we are required to make this declaration of compliance.

Dorothy House is pleased to confirm that we are compliant with the Government’s requirement to eliminate mixed-sex accommodation.  We have eight single rooms all with ensuite toilets and washbasins.  We have one double room with ensuite facilities for members of the same sex unless the two patients are partners and wish to share the same room.

Sarah Whitfield
Chief Executive
June 2011