Myself, my husband, two sons, their wives and our five grandchildren, ranging from 1 to 16 years of age, were made to feel very welcome especially during the weekend visiting.Family of an inpatient

All quotations are used with permission.

People are referred to St Ann’s Hospice for inpatient care for different reasons. These may include:

• Control of symptoms, for example pain or nausea/sickness
• Rehabilitation following treatment
• Care in the last days of life

Inpatient care is provided from two of our sites – Heald Green (Stockport) and Little Hulton (Worsley).

Before admission

We know that hospices can be a little daunting, especially if you have never visited one before, so before being admitted you and your carers are welcome to come and have a look around. Please contact your Macmillan or District Nurse, or telephone the Hospice directly to arrange this. Please let us know if you have any concerns about your stay so that we can make sure you receive the most appropriate care.

Contact us on 0161 437 8136 (Heald Green) or 0161 702 8181 (Little Hulton).

What happens on admission

You will be assessed by a doctor and a nurse who will ask you questions relating to your illness and answer any questions you may have. They may also ask you how you have managed at home. Your family or carer will also be given the opportunity to ask questions.

About the inpatient areas

Each Hospice has a mix of single rooms and wards with between two and five beds. These are single sex wards.

There are also facilities for families and carers to stay if needed; please feel free to discuss this with the nurses.

All patients have access to television/DVD/radio with headphones.

There is a computer in Day Care where patients are able to access the internet and their own e-mail systems and limited access to a laptop computer is available on request.

Visiting

The Hospice operates a flexible visiting policy between the hours of 11.00am and 8.00pm. Should your relatives or friends wish to visit at other times, we ask that they speak first with the nursing staff. You may also wish for your pets to visit you. Please discuss this with a member of the nursing staff.

There is a coffee shop on each site that are open between 10.30am and 8.00pm and sell a full range of soft drinks, sweets and snacks. A drinks machine is also available for hot drinks when the coffee shop is closed.

The Haven

There is a mutlifaith space on both hospice sites. Details of services are displayed outside. Your own minister is very welcome to visit you in the hospice.

How to be referred for inpatient care

Referrals are made through a healthcare professional at a hospital, such as a consultant or a doctor, your GP or palliative care specialist nurse who will need to complete and submit our referral form.