We can help to ease your physical symptoms either at home, other places of care, as an outpatient at a clinic or at the hospice day support service. However sometimes you may need more specialist support from our team and may benefit from an admission to the hospice.
Short stays in our in-patient unit can give us the opportunity to assess your issues more easily. This allows us to put support in place and monitor the effect of the treatment more closely than if you were at home. The aim is that you will feel better as your symptoms will be more manageable, allowing you to have a better quality of life.
Visiting
We know that you may feel anxious about coming to the hospice. That’s why we encourage people to visit where we can show you around and introduce you to the experienced and friendly team.
If you require inpatient care, we always make sure that your family can come and spend time with you too. Family members, carers and friends can visit at any time, though there may be times, such as meal times, or when doctors and nurses are carrying out care, when we may ask your visitors to wait. During these times they can have a tea or coffee in our café area.
Children are always welcome too under the supervision of their parent or guardian. It is usually a good idea to bring a favourite book or toy to help keep them occupied and busy.
What you should bring with you for a stay in our In-Patient Unit
Nightclothes, clothes to get changed into if you are normally up and dressed during the day, underwear, all medications you are currently taking, a few favourite photos or things to make your surroundings a little more personal, books or magazines if you like to read.
Patient confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is of paramount importance to us. We also recognise and understand that visitors and family members may wish to be kept informed of a patient’s progress. We will always seek permission before any information is shared. We will however share information with other team members to ensure holistic care and with other professionals involved in the patients care for continuity unless the patient states otherwise. We also comply with GDPR legislation and medical confidentiality guidelines.
Infection control
Every care is taken to protect patients from contracting preventable infections. We advise all staff, patients and visitors to wash their hands with our special alcohol gel on entering and leaving any clinical areas and also to use the hand washing technique shown at each sink when washing their hands with soap.
We also carry out audits on activities such as hand hygiene, waste, safe environment and sharps safety. This ensures that all staff adhere to the infection prevention control policy which is in line with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s policy.
Food and drink
We have a great catering team at the hospice who will strive to meet your dietary requirements. We also offer free tea and coffee to visitors in the café area in the main hospice building.
Finding us
The main hospice building is situated on Nelson Street, just across from the Westburn Church. The Access at Ardgowan building is situated on the corner of Ardgowan Street and Nelson Street, just across from the Greenock Sheriff Court.
Building accessibility
There is a ramp entrance to the front of both hospice buildings. There is also a lift to access patient areas in the Access at Ardgowan building.
Parking and Public Transport
There is on street parking available on the streets surrounding both hospice buildings. We are also close to bus stops on Nelson Street and we are a short walk away from Greenock West train station.