The In-patient Assessment Unit occupies a modern, purpose-built, sympathetic extension to the main building at Dorothy House. It is light, bright and comfortably furnished with the necessary up-to-date equipment to care for patients with a life- threatening illness. There are double and single rooms, some with en-suite bathrooms, and all with French windows opening on to the beautiful gardens.

The aim of the Unit is to achieve the best possible quality of life for the patients - by reducing their symptoms and looking at their emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Most of the patients looked after in the \
Assessment Unit are there for assessment and short-term care, including pain relief and symptom control or respite care. Only a few people choose to come into the Unit for their last days of life.

The Unit can help patients to cope with many of the symptoms associated with conditions such as cancer and motor
neurone disease - including problems with breathing, lymphoedema, mobility and pain. And many people come in for a few days, to give their full-time carers a break.

After many years of using volunteers in the role of ward clerk on the Unit, the decision was taken to make this a paid position.

There has been a six-month community job swap, with one of the unit staff nurses swapping roles with a district nurse so that each can gain specialist experience in an alternative area.

Our physiotherapists continue to help patients to achieve the best quality of life possible. Thanks to development money from the NHS, each session of Day Care has five hours' physiotherapy cover.

Manual handling training remains a important part of the work. All staff and volunteers are trained in manual handling (lifting patients safely) and those involved with patient handling receive an annual update of two and a half hours which
includes practical and theoretical sessions.

The lymphoedema service sees people
with chronic swelling of arms and legs that often accompanies cancer and its treatment.
In addition to established clinics in Devizes and Chippenham for cases of mild lymphoedema, we are now planning clinics in the following towns: Shepton Mallet, Frome, Westbury, Warminster, Trowbridge, Melksham, Bradford on Avon, Keynsham, Paulton and Bath.

It is of great benefit to patients to have access to a local clinic.

'Unstinting care and attention'
Ken Phesse, who lived in Winsley, had been coming to Dorothy House as a Day Care visitor once a week, but didn't quite know what to expect as an in-patient in the Assessment Unit. This is Ken's story...

I COULDN'T have expected better treatment than I've got here. All the staff are so jolly and enjoy what they're doing and make you the focus of their attention.

There is unstinting care and attention from everyone - the people preparing the food, nurses, physios, everyone you meet. You always get one-to-one attention. a resident chaplain tends to our spiritual needs and if you need to talk to a member of the medical staff or a physiotherapist there's always someone to see you very quickly.

There is wonderful liaison between Dorothy House, my GP surgery and social services. I mentioned that the bed here was so much more comfortable than the bed at home. Within a few hours someone had been in touch with Bunty, my wife, and a new bed had been delivered, ready for when I return home.
I've just had a bath using the special hoist you use here - it was wonderful and the nurses take such care.

On Saturday I was feeling a bit down and one of the nurses came in for a
chat - it was so comforting. It's so important that they have the time to spend with you. Also, Bunty can have a well-deserved break as she is confident that I'm receiving the best care.

We had a walk around the superb garden and down to the glade, it was so peaceful. The situation of Dorothy House must have one of the most beautiful scenic views possible.