For more information on Direct Referrals please email: nightingalehousereferrals@wales.nhs.uk

In-Patient Unit

The 12 bed Inpatient Unit at Nightingale House Hospice focuses on improving the quality of life for those living with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, MND and Heart Failure. Some patients might only require a short stay of less than a week, while others may need longer.

People do come to the Hospice for end of life care, however, this isn’t always the case. Our emphasis is on enhancing your quality of life, by supporting you and your family in any way we can. Regardless of how long you stay with us, you will be cared for by our trained multi-disciplinary team of Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. We also offer complementary therapies and our Social Workers are available for advice and support.

Throughout your stay, there will always be somebody available to talk to and all our staff will do their best to support you, both physically and mentally. Your care plan will be reviewed and adjusted regularly, and you will always be given the opportunity to discuss your care with the team. We also encourage you and your family or carer to ask questions at any time.

Going the extra mile

The staff on the ward are so lovely and positive and always go the extra mile.

Referrals

Patients are referred to us by their GPS, District Nurses, the health board’s Specialist Palliative Care Team (SPCT), Clinical Nurse Specialists and other medical specialists involved in their care. Patients and their carers or families can also make a direct referral for themselves by:

Calling: 01978 316806
Emailing: nightingalehousereferrals@wales.nhs.uk
Or completing the Direct Referral Form

Our direct referrals system improves services accessibility to families in need. We have tried to meet patient goals and expectations by being flexible and fulfil their wishes and dreams by our multidisciplinary team pulling together. That’s what makes a hospice environment so special and why so many families often want to give something back by fundraising. If you’re not sure what services we offer or feel that you or a member of your family might benefit from accessing our services including the inpatient unit then please call us to discuss this.
Laura Hughes Ward Manager

In-patient Unit FAQ

All our services are free of charge including staying at the Hospice. All patients have access to television and radio, free Wi-Fi and headphones are available on request. Mobile phones may be used at the hospice providing they do not disturb other patients. A telephone can be brought to you for use on request.

Your care plan is regularly updated by our nursing staff throughout your stay. Relevant information will be shared with other members of the hospice team, e.g. doctors, nurses, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker, complementary therapist, chaplains, pharmacist and dietitian.

You will be shown to your bed and given time to settle onto the ward.

Your family or carer may accompany you if you wish. Once you are settled you will be assessed by a doctor, advanced nurse practitioner or nurse. They will discuss with you your needs and concerns and answer any questions you may have.

You will meet members of the team and be given the opportunity to discuss the initial planning of your care with both medical and nursing staff. If you wish, your family may be present during this time, or if not, they may discuss any issue with staff later with your consent.

Visitors are welcome to make drinks in the kitchen located in the middle of the In-patient Unit. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide meals for visitors but our on-site café Caffi Cwtch is open between 10am – 4pm Monday to Saturday. We can also provide information if required on local cafes/restaurants or supermarkets. Our donations towards the cost of providing tea and coffee etc are gratefully received. Please avoid making drinks when patient meals are being served.

The hospice operates a policy of open visiting dependant on patient wishes and current condition; restrictions to immediate family only may be applied in some circumstances. The suitability of times and duration of visits may therefore change. Please phone the hospice on 01978 316800 prior to arrival to check if it is appropriate to visit to avoid unnecessary journeys.

The hospice has facilities for family members to stay with patients on the In-patient unit, this service is available at the discretion of the nurse in charge and is limited to families who have been advised to stay close at hand. Information on accommodation locally is available from the hospice.

We welcome compliments or complaints about the services we provide to patients and families. Comment sheets and information about our complaints policy and procedure can be found in the information folders at each bedside. The hospice participates in the I want great care national audit of patient and carer satisfaction.

Some people will come to Nightingale House Hospice to die, however patients come for other reasons. For example, a period of assessment, symptom management such as pain and nausea and for support for themselves and their families for psychological distress.

Duration of stay is based on an individual’s assessment and their needs, however we are not a long stay care environment.

Where possible we support/co-ordinate safe discharges to a patient’s preferred place of care.

Care is given on an individual basis and we always try to meet your personal needs.

There is a varied menu to suit all patients’ needs. Special diets are catered for.

Mealtimes may vary to suit individual needs but are usually served at the following times:

Please let us know if you have any concerns about your stay so we can make sure you receive the most appropriate care.

Your medicines

Please bring your current medicines with you when you are admitted to the hospice. The doctor will review them and, if appropriate, some may be retained for use. Your relatives may be asked to take medications that are not required back home.

Your belongings

During your admission you will require the following items:

  • Toiletries
  • Night clothes
  • Day clothes / slippers
  • Spectacles/hearing aids

Please do not bring valuable items into the hospice as we are unable to take responsibility for them.

Personal Laundry

The hospice is unable to wash patient’s laundry except under exceptional circumstances. A small basket is provided at the bottom of the wardrobe to collect laundry ready for washing by family and friends.

Smoking

The In-Patient Unit has a designated smoking lounge for the use of patients only.

Visiting

The hospice operates a flexible and open visiting policy. However, this is dependent upon the patient’s wishes and general condition. Staff may restrict visitors following discussion with the patient.

Daily routine

Care is given on an individual basis and we always try to meet your personal needs.

There is a varied menu to suit all patients’ needs. Special diets are catered for.

Mealtimes may vary to suit individual needs but are usually served at the following times:

  • Breakfast from 8:00am (on waking/as requested)

  • Lunch 12:15pm

  • Afternoon Tea 3:00pm

  • Evening Meal 5:00pm

  • Supper Drinks 9:00pm

Drinks and snacks such as biscuits, crackers and cake are available at any time on request.

All our care and support are provided free of charge to patients and their families and carers.

How to find us

We are based on Chester Road in Wrexham. Whilst we attempt to provide car parking space for our patients and their visitors, from time to time our car park is full. On these occasions we kindly ask that you do not double park/park on double yellow lines (even if you have a disabled badge) as this restricts access for ambulances/emergency vehicles and deliveries.

There is street parking available within a short distance of the hospice.

Get In Touch

For more information on our In-patient Unit please call 01978 316800 or complete and submit the form below:

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