St Nicholas Hospice Care's Sylvan Ward is a specialised bedded unit which provides 24-hour nursing care tailored to each patient's needs.
People are admitted to Sylvan Ward for a variety of reasons. For example, our staff can:
- manage symptoms that have been difficult to control at home
- help people adapt to changes so they can go back home
- provide care at the end of life when it is not possible to die at home
Most people stay for one or two weeks whilst we care for them and support their families to enable them to return home if possible.
The ward has single rooms and spacious single-sexed 4-bedded rooms. Each bed has a free television and telephone that accepts incoming calls. All the rooms overlook and have access to our beautiful gardens.
The Team
Patients and their families are cared for by a multidisciplinary team led by the Consultant and Ward Sister. The Hospice's social workers, psychology specialist, physiotherapist, chaplain, occupational therapist and complementary therapist all work on the Ward.
Catering
A skilled team provide patients' meals, taking account of appetites and preferences. A nurse will find out if there are any allergies, special diets or likes and dislikes which will help find the best menus.
Facilities for Visitors
Families, carers and children are welcome, as are well behaved pets. Parking is free in the Hospice's car park. The family room has a TV, games and an area for children. The Bradbury Bistro is open over lunchtimes and vending machines have sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Meals are also available at the neighbouring West Suffolk Hospital's restaurants. Please ask the ward staff for details of overnight accommodation if you wish to stay.
Visitors arriving after 10pm are asked to call in advance so ward staff know to expect them. Reception is not staffed at night or on some Bank Holidays. When the front doors are closed for security, please ring the doorbell to the right of the door, and a nurse will respond as soon as they can.
Patients can receive personal phone calls at their bedside by friends and family calling Sylvan Ward on 01284 725700 and the call will be transferred. Mobile phones are allowed on the Ward as long as they do not impose on other patients. A coin-operated pay phone is in the Family Room for public use. Please speak to the ward staff about smoking arrangements for patients.
