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In-Patient Care

St Joseph’s Ward

St Joseph’s Ward is a Specialist Palliative Care in-patient unit located within St Margaret of Scotland Hospice. It offers compassionate care to individuals living with progressive life-limiting illnesses.

Admission Criteria

People who meet the criteria for admission to St Joseph’s Ward are those experiencing complex physical or psychosocial symptoms resulting from their illness, be these physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual, and who may have selected Hospice as their preferred place of care when the end of life is approaching. 

The referral and admission process may be initiated by the Primary Care Team, which could be a GP, Advanced Practitioner (Nurse or Paramedic), District Nurse, or Hospital Team.

Holistic Care and Support

The multi-disciplinary team in the Specialist Palliative Care Centre - St Joseph’s Ward - is highly skilled across various domains, including physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of care. The centre emphasizes the importance of supporting family, carers, and friends throughout the patient's stay.

Comfort and Beautiful Surroundings

Each room in St Joseph’s Ward is thoughtfully designed to promote comfort and a sense of calm. The rooms are equipped with a bed, which may include a pressure-relieving mattress if needed. Additionally, there is a comfortable recliner chair, wardrobe, drawers, and storage facilities. Patients can enjoy entertainment through a TV/DVD player and have access to multiple electrical points for specialised equipment and charging personal devices.

Staying Connected with Loved Ones

Patients are encouraged to bring their personal devices, such as Mobile Phones, Tablets, Alexa or Google Home, for music and entertainment to stay connected with the outside world, family, and friends. Personal accounts may need to be created for access to personalised programs and music, and the hospice staff can assist with this process. All personal devices undergo PAT Testing by the Hospice Maintenance Team before use.

Bathing and Showering Facilities

All patients being cared for in St Joseph’s Ward have access to bathing and showering facilties. A comfortable shower chair is available to support the easeful transfer from bed to shower.

Activity-based Programme and Inclusive Care

The centre offers a sessional activity-based program facilitated by the Hospice Therapy Team. Patients who have difficulty leaving their bed space or room can still participate in various sessions delivered at the bedside. The program includes Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, Complementary Therapies, gentle exercises like chair and bed Yoga, guided relaxation, Life Story Journaling, letter writing, arts and crafts, games, and access to a library service with a selection of books, including audible books.

Dedicated Hospice Team

The Specialist Palliative Care Centre - St Joseph’s Ward - is staffed by a dedicated and highly skilled team, including Doctors, Specialist Nurses, Educationalists, Registered Nurses, Auxiliary Nurses, Social Worker, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Therapy Assistants as well as Complementary Therapists . The Ward Hostess plays a crucial role in ensuring catering needs are met throughout the day.

Emphasis on Emotional, Psychological, and Spiritual Wellbeing

At the heart of all care and support is the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of each person. The Hospice Pastoral Care Team provides visitation and support, irrespective of a person's faith, as the hospice embraces an inclusive approach.

Palliative Rehabilitation Approach

The Hospice Team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for each individual. Detailed assessments are conducted to identify complex or hidden symptoms, with the goal of correcting or reversing underlying factors. The focus is on helping individuals be the best they can be and feel as well as possible for as long as possible.

Personalised Care and Goal Setting

During a patient's stay, the Hospice Team collaborates with the individual to establish a personalized program of care and support based on their goals and aspirations. Whether it involves simple activities like enjoying a meal or a cup of tea, bathing, or planning a short visit home, the hospice supports each achievement, recognising that every moment matters.

Involvement of Family and Friends

Family and friends are encouraged to actively participate in the patient's care during their stay at the Inpatient Unit. The Hospice Team accommodates any wishes of patients to go out during the day and return in the evening, offering unwavering support in all aspects of care.

The holistic and compassionate approach at St Joseph’s Ward ensures that patients receive the best possible care during their stay, while also valuing the importance of supporting their loved ones through the challenging times.

St Joseph’s Ward

Frequently Asked Questions