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Inpatient hospice care

Specialist 24-hour care in Llandudno to help manage symptoms, offer respite and support you and your family.

What is inpatient care?

The aim of hospice care is to improve the lives of people who have an incurable illness. We provide 24 hour care for people from the point at which their illness is diagnosed as terminal to the end of their life, however long that may be.

St David’s Hospice inpatient care places a high value on dignity, respect and the wishes of the person who is ill. We look after medical, emotional, social, practical, psychological, and spiritual needs, and the needs of the patient’s family and carers. Looking after all these aspects is often referred to as “holistic care”.

Who inpatient care is for

Our inpatient care is for adults with a life-limiting illness who need:

Complex symptom management when symptoms become difficult to control at home

Respite stays to give you and your carers a short break.

End-of-life care in a calm, supportive environment.

All care is completely free of charge

Whilst our care is provided free of charge, we are in fact a hospice charity and 76% of our income is generated by legacies, donations, fundraising and our retail shops. Through your generous donations and fundraising we continue to provide much needed support to the community and make a difference to so many lives and for this we thank you.

Llandudno inpatients ward offers private rooms, several are ensuite, and all are fitted with TV’s and space to display home comforts. We have a communal space fitted with a kitchen, relaxed seating areas and a library of books and boardgames.

Relatives are able to stay over thanks to our dedicated family room, and pets are also welcome to visit. The ward has access to our peaceful gardens which is a favoured area with patients and their visitors.

What to expect during your stay

Most people come to our inpatient unit either for help with complex symptoms, for a short respite stay (usually around a week), or for end-of-life care tailored to their needs. When you arrive, our team will talk with you and your family about what matters most to you, agree a plan of care, and review this regularly during your stay.

The length of your stay will depend on your individual situation – some people come for a short period to get symptoms under control, others may stay longer towards the end of life.

During your stay we can help manage a wide range of symptoms such as pain, sickness, bowel problems, anxiety or breathlessness. Treatments may include medication changes, blood transfusions and certain intravenous therapies, alongside complementary therapies like aromatherapy and massage to help you relax and feel more comfortable. You will be cared for by a specialist team who will also support your emotional, spiritual and practical needs.

Your family and friends are very welcome to visit, including children with appropriate supervision. Relatives can share your room using a sofa bed if needed, and there are lounges, quiet spaces and gardens where you can spend time together. We do also have an ensuite family bedroom available for overnight stays subject to availability.

Support for your family and carers

We know that serious illness affects the whole family, not just the person who is unwell. That’s why we involve those closest to you in care planning, making sure you are all kept informed and have space to ask questions and share what matters most to you.

Family members and carers can access a range of free support, including counselling, complementary therapies such as massage and aromatherapy, time in our quiet spaces and multi faith / spiritual room, and our dedicated bereavement service after a death. We can also help with practical issues by signposting to organisations that offer advice on benefits, money and other everyday concerns.

Practical information

It’s important that coming to the hospice feels as easy and stress-free as possible. On your admission letter we’ll include directions, public transport options and parking information, and our team is always happy to help with any questions about accessibility or special requirements before you arrive.  All our buildings have step-free access and accessible facilities; if you have particular mobility, communication or cultural needs, please let us know so we can plan your visit or stay around you.

There is no charge for your care at St David’s Hospice. Our services are provided free of charge for patients and families, thanks to the generosity of our community and supporters.

We welcome feedback and take any concerns or complaints seriously, as they help us improve our services. You can talk to a member of staff, use our comments box, leave feedback online or follow our formal complaints process if you are unhappy with any aspect of your care. Read our comments and complaints information

How to be
referred

Most people come to St David’s Hospice after being referred by a healthcare professional who knows them well, such as a GP, hospital consultant, specialist nurse or district nurse. They will talk with you about hospice care, check you are happy to be referred, and complete the referral form on your behalf in line with our referral criteria.

If you think you or someone you care for might benefit from our support, please speak to your healthcare team and ask them to discuss a referral to St David’s Hospice.

Health and social care professionals can find full referral information and forms by the link below

Frequently asked question​s

St David's Hospice is a charity meaning all our care is delivered completely free of charge. Whilst our care is provided free of charge, we are in fact a hospice charity and 76% of our income is generated by legacies, donations, fundraising and our retail shops.

St David’s Hospice is not a nursing home and we do not provide long term care. We are a Specialist Palliative Care Centre providing symptom control, respite care, and care for those at the end of their life.

It is total care of the patient including emotional, spiritual and physical care. Palliation is designed to alleviate symptoms when an illness is incurable.

Patients are admitted from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm.

We are not a long term care facility and length of stay is dependent on the reason for your admission and your general health. If long term care is needed then we will look at an alternate placement with the patient and family involvement. Respite care is offered for one week depending on the bed availability.

You may return home with the help of your carers/family/GP/Community Nurses. If this is difficult for you, other options such as admission to a nursing home will be discussed.

We can treat pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, anxiety, depression and many other symptoms. There are a number of complementary therapies available including aromatherapy and massage.

We have an multi faith / spiritual
room available and can call in various clergy to visit you if you desire. Please feel free to discuss your needs with a member of staff. We try to help patients of all religions and spiritual beliefs.

We aim to seek patients’ views on the treatment and care that is most appropriate for them, depending on their condition. This might include discussion and decisions about what to do in the event of a sudden change, for example, transfer to acute hospital or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patients may wish to tell the staff if they have made any advance care plans or decisions about their care. The Hospice does not have emergency facilities as in an acute hospital but can call an ambulance to support the staff if this is appropriate.

We aim to seek patients’ views on the treatment and care that is most appropriate for them, depending on their condition. This might include discussion and decisions about what to do in the event of a sudden change, for example, transfer to acute hospital or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patients may wish to tell the staff if they have made any advance care plans or decisions about their care. The Hospice does not have emergency facilities as in an acute hospital but can call an ambulance to support the staff if this is appropriate.

Hot drinks are available in the inpatients communal area as well as a fridge that families can use for food that they wish to eat on site. We respectfully ask that correct procedures are followed with perishable foods. Food and drinks are welcome to be consumed in the communal area, bedrooms or outside. Meals, snacks and drinks are also available to purchase at our onsite cafe, Café Dewi. The cafe is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm. Staff and inpatient volunteers are available for any assistance needed.

Yes, but they must be accompanied by an adult. A toy box is available and is located in the relatives’ lounge. We do ask that there is to be no running or shouting within the building.

Yes, if well behaved, house trained and wormed/inoculated as appropriate. We would ask that you discuss bringing your pet into the Hospice with the nursing team so that arrangements can be made accordingly.