In-Patient Care

For some patients, particular needs may be best supported by a short stay in our in-patient unit. Though many patients with incurable illnesses find that their GP, hospital doctor or district nurse are able to keep their symptoms under control, for some patients controlling physical symptoms such as pain and nausea is more complex.  This is usually where Strathcarron Hospice professionals can help a little further. In addition, patients may be experiencing severe social or emotional difficulty due to complications associated with disease or medication and again, a short stay in the Hospice may be appropriate so you can be supported. 

During a stay in the Hospice, the patient will be assessed and any treatment reviewed until the highest possible degree of symptom control is achieved and the patient is ready to be discharged. A typical length of stay at the hospice is around 14 days.

An admission may also be offered to provide care and support in the last few days of life. Priority is given to patients with needs which cannot be met elsewhere. Our in-patient team will do all they can to provide compassionate care to the patient and support to those closest to them.

Planning your stay

In order to help your in-patient stay be as comfortable as possible for you, please download our brochure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving on from the in-patient unit

During a stay in the in-patient unit, it is routine to make plans for your follow-up and future care.

The Strathcarron Hospice team will work with you to ensure that your preferences and wishes can be taken into consideration as much as possible.

Sometimes a patient’s condition is stable and the only follow-up care you may need will be provided by your own GP. Hospice services will still be an option for you should your situation change, or if your GP needs to ask advice about your care. Some patients require follow-up by the Community Nurse Specialist, out-patient appointments at the Hospice, or some may benefit from coming to Day Hospice.

Occasionally, following an in-patient stay, a patient or their family may decide that a residential care home is an option for future care and support. Alternatively, a patient may leave the hospice to spend a little time in a community hospital where this is most appropriate for their needs.

The first step in making arrangement for further care will be to meet with a social worker who will usually plan a meeting where your family members, along with a range of staff involved in your care will meet to discuss any necessary plans, wishes or worries you may have. The wishes of patients and families are extremely important in planning the future place of care, but there are also issues of professional advice, guidance and resource which will be taken in to account.