In Patient Unit

Introduction

The IPU comprises six single en-suite bedrooms with television and video facilities. The terrace area and garden are accessible from each room. A specially-equipped assisted bath and shower room is provided for patients requiring help with personal care. The IPU is staffed by qualified nurses and care assistants experienced in hospice and palliative care.

Admission to the IPU is arranged in conjunction with a General Practitioner (GP) and the Home Care Sister.

Patients are admitted for:

  • Symptom Control
  • Respite Care
  • Treatments (e.g. blood transfusions, lymphoedema treatment, and rehydration)
  • Terminal Care

Whilst in the IPU the GP continues to visit to monitor progress and prescribe medicines and treatments as required. Jersey Hospice Care makes no charge for any services offered.

Medical Care
The patient’s GP will continue to visit Clarkson House, as if the patient was at home. Complementary therapies such as lymphoedema, aromatherapy, reflexology and massage, together with physiotherapy and acupuncture are offered where appropriate.

Visiting
The visiting hours at Clarkson House are flexible. They will be dependent on the condition and wishes of each patient and are at the discretion of the nursing staff. Early morning and late evening visiting is not normally encouraged. When appropriate, family members may stay overnight. For security, and fire safety, all visitors are asked to notify staff of their arrival, and departure, always using the main doors. This is particularly important after 5.00 p.m. and at weekends.

Meals
A full and varied menu is provided for patients and arrangements can be made to suit any special dietary requirements, or preferences patients may have. Visitors will be offered tea, coffee or a soft drink at no charge.

Laundry
A personal laundry service is offered to patients at Clarkson House. All items of clothing should be clearly marked. Towels and face-cloths are provided.

Spiritual Care
Jersey Hospice Care has a chaplaincy service with visiting clergy from the Church of England, Roman Catholic and Methodist churches. If the patient wishes, a member of the chaplaincy team will make regular visits. Alternatively, the patient's own Minister is welcome to visit at anytime.

Valuables
Valuables or large amounts of money should not be brought into Clarkson House. If this is unavoidable, valuables will be receipted and locked in the safe. Jersey Hospice Care cannot accept responsibility for the loss of personal items/money.

Telephone
For patients confined to their room a portable telephone is provided to receive and to make local calls. Visitors should telephone 871711 if they wish to speak to patients directly. For patient enquiries the general telephone number 876555 should be used. A coin operated payphone is provided in the small lounge for visitors' use.

Day Hospice
Patients resident at Clarkson House are welcome to attend the Day Hospice by arrangement, which opens on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week (except Bank Holidays).

Health & Safety
Jersey Hospice Care complies with Health & Safety regulations and a fire drill is practised regularly.

Smoking
No smoking is permitted in the IPU.

Complaints Procedure
In the unlikely event that patient wishes to register a complaint, they should contact the Unit Sister, who may refer the matter of concern to the Management Committee.