Can I still ask to be admitted to St Raphael’s Hospice Inpatient Unit (IPU) if my symptoms can’t be managed at home or if I am reaching the end of my life? Expand We will continue to admit patients to our IPU until Sunday 11th July. However, we are unable to care for you at the hospice from 19th July for a number of weeks due to building and improvement works. This means that we will need to discharge you to a different care setting by this date if you are still staying on our IPU.
Where else can I be cared for after the 19th July? 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 you are moved to your 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 suggest that you discuss this with those who are important to you as soon as possible and let us know so that we can plan ahead if we need to, although we appreciate that preferences can change.
Can I still be referred to the St Raphael’s Community Team 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 I only want 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 living in our area, depending on bed availability. We are happy to discuss and explore this for you. Princess Alice Hospice is unavailable for most ofthis time due to their own refurbishment. Your access to support and advice will return to St Raphael’s Community Team once you are discharged back home.
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 will the IPU be open again? Expand We will be reopening our doors to a refreshed lighter and brighter space on 31 August 2021. TheIPU will be more contemporary, offering improved lighting, flooring and decoration as well asupgraded 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.