Dorothy House Hospice Care Website - In-Patient Assessment Unit Dorothy House Hospice Care Website - Service: In-Patient Assessment Unit

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Our Services: In-Patient Assessment Unit

The In-Patient Assessment Unit provides a warm and caring environment for patients, their families and friends.

Built in 1995 as a sympathetic extension to the main building, the Unit is a place of laughter and light, with a very non-institutional feel. There is a combination of shared and single rooms, as well as one that can be converted to a family room. Currently a maximum of eight patients can be cared for in the Unit.

We have a high staff-patient ratio so patients can have the time and care they need.

On referral, patients come here for:

  • Assessment and control of symptoms and problems
  • Respite Care - giving a break to carers
  • Re-adaptation with advice and support to improve the quality of life
  • Care during the last few days of life
  • Most patients stay for 7 to 10 days before returning home.

Day Patient Unit

"I think we all agree that Day Care is our favourite day of the week"

The Day Patient Unit at Dorothy House provides an opportunity for patients to meet and support each other, have a cooked lunch and take part in creative, therapeutic and recreational activities.

They also have access to the resources of the hospice and specialist services such as physiotherapy, complementary therapies and the Family Support Team

Each day patient group of 11 patients meets once a week, so patients have a chance to get to know each other well. They are also supported by a team of dedicated Day Patient Unit volunteers as well as Dorothy House staff.

Door to door transport is provided free of charge by volunteer drivers.

"Have you noticed how long it takes to say goodbye? It's a ploy to stay a little longer."


Lymphoedema Service
Our Lymphoedema Service provides treatment, support, awareness and education to people with lymphoedema, their families and health care professionals.

Lymphoedema is the chronic swelling of part of the body, usually an arm or a leg, generally as a result of cancer treatment.

Lymphoedema can be a very distressing condition. However the effects can be considerably reduced by a programme of specialist treatment, which includes the following components:

  • skin care
  • exercise
  • elevation of the affected limb
  • simple self-massage
  • compression - in particular the use of special hosiery

Regular clinics are held at Dorothy House and in North Wiltshire. We also have links with the Lymphoedema Service at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. A support group for patients and carers meets every three months in Dorothy House.


Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy service helps patients adapt to the changes illness can bring, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life.

The service assists with:

  • managing the activities of daily living
  • pain control
  • relief of breathlessness and anxiety
  • energy conservation
  • appropriate exercise to help prevent future complications

The physiotherapy service encourages patients to become more independent, boosting confidence and self esteem and enabling them to gain some control of their lives.


Emotional and Spiritual Support
Coping with a life threatening illness can be a deeply stressful experience for the whole family. We offer emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families and carers, both during the illness and following bereavement. For further information please see the Family Support Team page.

For further information on any of these services, ring 01225 722988