About our service
BCHC have a long history of providing a dedicated inpatient service for patients with palliative care needs and/or care needs at end of life, previously at the Sheldon Unit and since 2020 at Willow House on the West Heath Hospital site. Willow House is a bright and modern standalone building which has 18 beds, including 6 ensuite side rooms. It provides care to patients over the age of 18 with a palliative care diagnosis – (cancer / non cancer) where the focus of care is on quality of life.
Who is it for?
Patients with a palliative care diagnosis – (cancer / non cancer) where the focus of care is on quality of life:
- Patients with palliative care needs that are unable to be managed in the patient’s usual home or care setting e.g. symptom management - with the aim of supporting people to return home in line with their wishes
- End of life care – for people who are in the advanced stages of illness, are deteriorating and likely to be in the last weeks/ days of life and do not wish to die at home or care at home is no longer possible e.g. now require 24 hour care in an inpatient setting
- Age 18 and over
Laundry
We are not able to wash personal items of clothing. There are washing baskets or lockers in the patient’s room or bed area and it is important that relatives/friends check this regularly for dirty washing as this will have to be taken to be washed. The dirty washing will be placed in red (Alginate) bags that can be placed straight into a washing machine and will dissolve during the washing cycle.
If there is a problem with washing personal items please speak to the Nurse in Charge.