Enhancing the quality of care for patients in all care settings through partnership collaboration, advice and education

The Inpatient Unit

You and your family are welcome to have a look around the In-patient Unit before being admitted. Your key worker can arrange this.

Admission to the In-patient Unit is offered for:

Help to manage difficult symptoms such as pain, nausea and fatigue.

Rehabilitation to maintain your independence for as long as possible

Planning for your future care

Some patients choose to be admitted to be cared for in their final days

The in-patient unit has eight single rooms. All rooms have direct access to the garden, en-suite toilet and washing facilities, and televisions. Oakhaven is about to emabrk on a new build project to increase our in-patient capacity by the addition of a further 4 bedrooms (September 2010).

Admission:
This will involve a detailed assessment by a doctor and nurse who will ask you questions about your symptoms, what medication you are taking and how your illness is affecting your life and that of your family.  The doctor will examine you and may order simple investigations such as blood tests if necessary.  Together with you and your family a plan will be agreed addressing your priorities and setting realistic goals for your admission.  The average length of stay is 11-12 days.  For patients returning home careful discharge planning is a key element of the admission alongside active symptom management and psychological support.  A doctor will review you regularly and together with the nursing team they will assess your progress.

Life in the In Patient Unit
There is no set routine to your day as an in-patient - though the nurses may have to wake you early to take some of your medicines. Our nursing team is here 24 hours a day; members are experienced trained nurses and healthcare assistants. Whilst in the unit you will be allocated to a named nurse who will supervise your care throughout your stay. You will also be allocated a trained nurse on a shift to shift basis. The nurses are happy to answer any of your questions and can discuss any aspect of your care and treatment with you. They provide emotional support and will attend to your physical care.  We also support your family and are happy to talk to them about your care with your permission to do so.

The nurses work closely with other teams who might help you in the following ways:

Complementary therapy
Complementary therapy treatments are offered to patients during their stay with us on the ward.  There are a range of treatment options which may help with the symptoms such as nausea, pain and anxiety. The complementary therapists will work in the patients' rooms often giving hand and foot massages.

Physiotherapy
As an in-patient you will have access to the services of the physiotherapy team. By discussing those things most important to you we always aim to support your independence and function by prioritising your needs and enabling you to maintain as much control as possible.

Exploring your potential and setting realistic goals we can help manage your symptoms of breathlessness and anxiety, pain and fatigue.  We may also be able to help with mobility difficulties.

We  supply aids and equipment and written information and advice.

Counsellors
Our trained Oakhaven counsellors are part of the in-patient team and offer both patients and their families the opportunity to talk through emotional difficulties and offer them support.  

Chaplain
Our chaplain visits the ward several times a week and is available to offer spiritual support, communion or prayer for those that find it helpful.  The chaplain also links with other church members in the community and can arrange visits from your usual vicar or priest.  If you or your family needs support or prayer out of normal working hours the chaplain or a colleague operates an on call system.

Volunteers
You might meet volunteers in a variety of roles during your stay with us.  They help serve meals, tend the garden and work on the reception desk.