Like the rest of the Hospice, our Inpatient Unit is bright, airy and welcoming. It’s a calm and peaceful place, but with its fair share of fun and laughter.

Each one of our 10 single rooms has French doors opening out onto our garden or decking areas, where we regularly receive visits from local birdlife. Each room is ensuite and has a TV, DVD player and WIFI.

We actively encourage you to invite your friends, family and even pets to visit you, whenever they can for as long as they like. There are plenty of places for you to enjoy your time together. As well as our beautiful garden and peaceful garden room, we have a family room with sofas, large screen TV, dining table and small kitchen. There’s a playroom with toys and a game console for the children, and the Hospice café for when you want to stretch your legs or spend time with loved ones in a more social environment.

Covid-19 - To protect our patients, their visitors and our colleagues we are closely following the guidance of the Government and our local NHS Trust, please visit this page for the latest Inpatient Unit information.

“Every day is different, they don’t tell the same jokes day in day out. Not only have they helped me medically but everyone I’ve met has made me feel welcome not just because of the smile on their faces but in their tone of voice too.

“The food is fantastic. Just a few days ago I was wheeled into the garden where we sat and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity. The grounds are so beautifully tendered. There were even a few planes overhead to appreciate too.”

Two nurses smiling with a Hospice patient
Like many of our patients, Ted came into the Hospice for symptom control.

During your stay

When you arrive at the Hospice, you will be met by our friendly staff and volunteers who will settle you in and help you feel at home. Our medical team will meet daily to discuss your care and visit you in your room to talk through your symptoms, treatments and any questions and concerns you may have. We ensure you receive the best possible care during your stay with us and that you and your family are treated with courtesy, dignity and respect at all times.

It’s a common misconception that patients only come into the Hospice when they’re near the end of their lives. Some patients do choose the Hospice for their end-of-life care but, more often, patients come for a short time to help improve their quality of life before they return home. They may come for a full assessment of their needs, for rehabilitation to enable them to adjust to the challenges of their illness, or to better manage their symptoms.

Generally patients stay on our Inpatient Unit for approximately 10 - 12 days. In all cases, when they’re ready to return home, our Hospice Community Team will review their needs to ensure that their environment is safe and suitable for them or can be adapted to be so.

Margaret Phillips meeting the former High Sheriff of Kent, Jane Ashton.
Margaret Phillips meeting the former High Sheriff of Kent, Jane Ashton.

"When I first had this problem a year ago, I was in hospital. The contrast between being looked after here and the hospital, well there is no comparison. It’s so utterly and completely different. I don’t think I could have survived in the hospital. It’s been quite exceptional. It’s such a privilege to be here when you realise there are only 10 beds.”

Visit Your stories to read more about Margaret's stay.

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