In-Patient Unit

Respite care means being cared for temporarily to provide relief for the person/people who care for you usually. This is not a service we are able to offer due to the demand for symptom control and end-of-life care admissions.

For advice and support on how to access respite, please contact our Patient and Family Support Team.

You’ll need a referral from a healthcare professional such as one of the St Barnabas House community team or Hospital Palliative Care Team. Your GP or district nurse can make a referral, however you may be seen by one of the St Barnabas Community Palliative Care Team before a decision is made about admission.

Our services are available to adults who live in our catchment area: Worthing, Lancing, Shoreham, Littlehampton, Henfield, Steyning, Partridge Green and Storrington.

Find out more about how to access our care

Demand for our In-Patient Unit is high. Often there are several people waiting to be admitted and the team will look at each referral daily and prioritise those with the greatest needs.

Unfortunately, this means that a bed on the In-Patient Unit may not be available immediately. Whilst you are waiting, our Community Palliative Care Team can take steps to better manage your symptoms and care needs at home. If you are in hospital, their palliative care team will work with you to manage your symptoms there whilst you wait.

You will be cared for by our multi-disciplinary team of experts which includes doctors and nurses, alongside healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, counsellors, a chaplain, and complementary therapists. Our housekeeping, catering and wider team also play an important role in your care.

Our In-Patient Unit is bright, calm, and friendly. All bedrooms are private and look out onto the gardens which are easily accessible – we can even take beds outside so people can enjoy the sunshine. You will have your own en-suite bathroom, television, and space for visitors. There is also a lounge area at the end of each wing, where patients, families and visitors can relax, chat and rest.

During your stay you’re free to treat the hospice just as you would your own home. You can access the gardens or get involved with any of the complementary therapies and Living Well activities. We also have a chapel – a quiet space for reflection and prayer which is available for anyone to use no matter what their background or religious belief.

Some essentials we suggest:

• Nightwear and clothes for during the day. If possible, it’s helpful if your items are labelled with your name so our laundry team know what belongs to you.
• Any medication you’re currently taking.
• Mobile phone if you have one.
• Your favourite books

We want you to feel as comfortable as possible, so if you’d like to bring in photographs, blankets or other personal items you’re very welcome.

All your meals will be provided, and we cater to different dietary requirements. You and any visitors are also welcome to bring any favourite snacks or drinks you might fancy.

There is also a café in the main reception where you can buy hot drinks, homemade sandwiches, cakes, and other light refreshments. The café is open 10am – 2pm, Monday to Friday. Your relatives and visitors are also welcome to visit the café. Find out about opening hours >

Family members, friends and loved ones are welcome to visit any time. Visitors don’t have to book a visit and can call main reception between 8am – 8pm to enquire about patients. The number for reception is 01903 706300.

After 8pm the reception is closed, but you can still access the In-Patient Unit via the out of hours entrance (just to the left of the main entrance).

Pets are also welcome to come and visit.

We have facilities for close family and friends to stay the night. They can sleep in your room or in a family guest room. Please talk to one of our team at the hospice if you’d like to make arrangements for your loved ones to stay over.

St Barnabas House is not a long-term place of care or permanent alternative to care in your own home or a nursing home. Your length of stay will depend on your individual needs or how long it takes to help get your symptoms under control and what your care needs are. Many find that a short stay can make a real difference to how they are feeling.

We have a Future Care Coordinator who will work with you and your family to assess your needs and plan for your care after you leave the hospice. It’s likely you can continue to get symptom control and advice support from our Community Palliative Care Team.

If you are returning home, we can help you to arrange any practical care support and equipment you might need so you can live as independently as possible. If you’re unable to go home, we can help you find a suitable place of care, such as a nursing home or residential care.