“You matter because you are you and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” Dame Cicely Saunders

Thus was the philosophy for the foundation of the modern hospice movement and at Sir Michael Sobell House we try to echo those words, caring not only for patients but also for their families.

The In-Patient Unit offers round the clock support for patients with specialist palliative care needs, and their families and loved ones. In a light and airy modern building twenty beds are available for patients for short stays (average fourteen days) to control distressing symptoms, to provide respite for carers, or to be a safe place for the patient who is dying. We focus on quality of life, providing excellent nursing and respecting the uniqueness of each individual, maintaining their dignity and giving comfort in the final stage of life.

Patients will stay in either a single room or a three-bedded bay all of which open out onto a garden or courtyard area. A suite is available for large families. There are facilities for close loved ones to sleep overnight if so desired. Care is provided by a specialist multi-professional team comprising nurses, doctors, and care assistants supported by a chaplain, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapist, art, music and complementary therapists and volunteers. Facilitated by the team patients are helped to achieve as much as they are able during their stay.

The inpatient unit Aims of Care are to:
• Offer a warm welcome

• Give high quality nursing and medical care

• Plan and give care flexibly, working with individuals to meet their wishes and preferences

• Treat people with respect and maintain their dignity, integrity and right to confidentiality

• Work with the family and patient in partnership recognising their need for information to enable them to make informed choices

• Support patients and families when transferring care to another part of the organisation

• Never say there is nothing we can do