Inpatient care
About our Inpatient Unit (IPU)
Our IPU is temporarily located at Jade Ward, Edgware Community Hospital, HA8 9BA.We have single rooms, each with their own en-suite toilet, as well as bay wards. We also have televisions with Freeview and free Wi-Fi. Alcohol is allowed in the rooms however there is a strict no smoking policy either on the premises or in the wider hospice grounds. This applies to patients and visitors. Mobile phones may be used in Jade Ward.
We offer short stay admissions to manage complex symptoms and/or care in the last days of life, and to support you, your family and those that are important to you at the time you need us most. All care is individually planned with patients and families, and we go to great lengths to ensure that your time with us is as comfortable as possible. As well as managing any physical symptoms that may be present, we make sure that we focus on you holistically, by offering support with spiritual and emotional needs as well as helping with a range of practical issues.
On admission your care will be led by one of our Palliative Care Consultants or our Nurse Consultant; they will work with the rest of the team to plan your care and help support you during your stay.
There is a catering team at Edgware Community Hospital. The catering team receives daily updates from the staff so if you have specific dietary needs, please let our team know.
Mealtimes are as follows:
- Breakfast from 8am
- Lunch from 12pm
- Evening meal from 5pm
If you have special dietary needs based on your religion or beliefs, we will be happy to accommodate your needs. Your family or friends can bring in food for you that can be heated up in our microwave. Please ask any member of staff for more information.
Our IPU team comprises Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, a Specialist Physiotherapist, Patient and Family Support Team, Spiritual Care Support and an Administrative Team who all work together to support you and your loved ones.
We also provide a range of complementary therapies, along with a drinks trolley where you can meet and connect with members of our wider hospice team. Our Patient Experience Team is also available to help co-ordinate services such as manicures, pedicures, special meals and the fulfilment of individual wishes.
Compassionate, person-centred care for patients and their families
We understand how emotionally challenging and stressful it can be for patients when they are admitted to our Inpatient Unit. During this time, it may feel as though medical staff and close family members are the only people who visit. To help provide additional comfort, we now have a dedicated group of trained volunteers who are available to visit patients and offer meaningful support.
Our volunteers also extend their support to families. We recognise how difficult it can be to see someone you care about unwell, and how overwhelming those emotions may feel. Volunteers are available to offer a listening ear, compassionate conversation, and to provide a calm space to talk through worries or fears.
Preparing for your admission to the Inpatient Unit
What you might like to bring:
Nightdresses / Pyjamas
Dressing gown
Comfortable indoor clothing
Indoor footwear
Spectacles
Personal toiletries
Shaving kit or electric razor
Mobility aids e.g. walking stick
Small amount of money for personal needs such as purchases from the coffee shop
Please bring all tablets & medicines you are currently taking (including any complementary or herbal medications) to show to the hospice doctors
You may also want to bring:
Books/DVDs/CDs
Computers, tablets & chargers (free WIFI is available)
Small articles that will make you feel more at home; e.g. photographs
A particular interest or hobby that you could continue whilst at the hospice
Please note we cannot take responsibility for safe keeping or any personal items.
You may also be interested in:
Get a referral
The Care Co-ordination Centre is your access point for all referrals to North London Hospice.
Therapies and activities
Support for our patients includes complementary, psychological & occupational therapies, physiotherapy and activities to provide comfort and connection.
Visiting policy
We offer 24 hours visiting to the Inpatient Unit for friends and family. You can find more information about our visiting policy here.
Let's keep in touch
