Can I still request admission to the Inpatient Unit (IPU) for patients who are imminently dying or with specialist palliative care needs? Expand We will continue to admit patients to our IPU until Sunday 11th July. However, we ask that you explain to the patient and those close to them that we are unable to care for patients on the IPU from 19th July due to building and improvement works. This means that they will need to be transferred to a different care setting by this date if they are still staying on our IPU.
What are the options for other discharge settings or places of care? Expand By the 19th July all inpatients will need to be transferred to an alternative place of care. We are unable to guarantee specific discharge options but we will aim that patients are transferred to their preferred place of care: home, another hospice if there is a bed available, a care home or into hospital if there are no other options available. We ask that you have this conversation with the patient prior to admission and inform us of their preference, although we appreciate that preferences can change.
When will I not be able to request admission for patients to the IPU? Expand We will not be accepting patients for IPU admission from Monday 12 July until 30 August inclusive whilst we refresh our IPU area.
Can I still refer patients for palliative support and advice? Expand Yes – we will still take referrals in the usual way – our community palliative care team are still supporting patients and their families in the community setting.
What if my patient only wants to go to St Raphael’s Hospice? Expand Although our IPU is temporarily closed we will be reopening again on 31st August. In the meantime, our neighbour hospices (St Christopher’s Hospice, Sydenham and Royal Trinity Hospice, Clapham) have agreed to admit patients in our area, depending on bed availability. We are happy to discuss and explore this for you. Princess Alice Hospice is unavailable for most of this time due to their own refurbishment.
What happens if the patient is still on the IPU and you need to close? Expand We will ask you to discuss this with the patient and family prior to admission, so we have an agreed alternative place of care. If the patient had not had this discussion because they have been on the IPU for much longer than anticipated, then we will discuss this with them. Alternative discharge destinations include home, care home or another hospice (if there is a bed available) or to hospital if there is no other safe discharge destination option.
When can patients be admitted to the IPU again? Expand We will be reopening our doors to a refreshed lighter and brighter space on 31 August 2021. We are looking forward to welcoming patients and those close to them to a more contemporary IPU, offering improved lighting, flooring and decoration as well as upgraded audio-visual and digital technology.
How do I contact St Raphael’s Hospice whilst the IPU is closed? Expand You can still call us on the usual number – 0208 099 7777.
How do I access out of hours advice and support whilst the IPU is closed? Expand Access to our out of hours advice and support has not changed – please call 0208 099 7777.