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 all the other Dorothy House services are available.

There are a number of reasons for admission to the 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 small number of patients come in for the last few days of their lives.

Admittance 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, and we are able to provide internet access via a laptop computer.

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

Visiting Times

Visitors are welcome at any time but, if a patient needs to rest or is receiving personal care, visiting may be restricted.

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.

Patients who would like their pets to visit should check with the nursing staff.

What we can offer you as a carer/family member or friend of a patient

• Doctors are available to discuss any issues
• Access to other members of the multi-disciplinary team appropriate to the needs of the person you are visiting e.g. a lymphoedema specialist.
• Occupational therapy may assist 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 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.  (Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki and massage are offered by trained volunteers.)
• Access to the internet via the A-Z information computer in the out-patients wing .
• For the relatives of patients approaching the end of life we have an en-suite overnight room with tea/coffee making facilities for relatives. This is only available after discussion with the nursing team.

Volunteers

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




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