SERVICE DETAILS
Our state-of-the-art Inpatient Unit meets the varied and changing needs of patients with advanced illness, with a focus on quality of life for each individual and support for family and friends.
A home from home
Coming into a hospice can be daunting but with jacuzzi baths, beautiful grounds and guest rooms on the ward for visiting family and friends, we do all we can to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We want this place to feel like your home from home.
Our facilities:
At our hospice building, overlooking the wonderful Firth of Forth, we do all we can to care for all of our patients and their families and friends.
Our wards...
On both, our patients are cared for by a dedicated team of nurses, assisted by volunteers and led by a Ward Manager. The team works together to oversee patient care and encourage patients to be actively involved in any decisions relating to and in the planning of their care.
The Iona Café...
This is a great spot to relax and refuel. It offers a wide range of drinks and snacks between 9am-5pm and is staffed by volunteers. It’s open to all patients, families and staff as well as the public and tea and coffee is free for everyone.
The Art Room...
Situated on the Pentland ward, our art room is open for everyone using the hospice, both community and inpatients. There are regular groups that meet to create and practice everything from fine art to practical crafts. Simply ask a member of our team if you’d like to find out more.
Therapets...
Our therapets are a small group of dogs and one cat, who regularly visit the hospice, providing therapy for our patients on the Cedar and Pentland wards. They also visit outpatients attending our Day Therapies service. Animals have been used in care for hundreds of years and Florence Nightingale also recommended patients have animals to keep them company.
The Columba Room...
The Columba Room, located on the Cedar ward, is a place for you to be quiet with your own thoughts, share private time with your loved ones or watch the sea and the birdlife. We hope you’ll find inspiration from the art, poetry, imagery and texts from different spiritual traditions, along with the stunning views of the Firth of Forth. It’s open to everyone, at any time.
Family rooms...
We have two lounges on each ward with TVs and games, comfy sofas and a children’s play area. We like to encourage patients to make use of these spaces with their family.
Inpatient care might be right for you
Inpatient care is often most associated with the advanced stage of illness, but around 40% of inpatients return home once we’ve helped get their symptoms under control. Sometimes people come in so we can help manage pain or control nausea, and a short-term stay often gives much-needed support to a patient’s family and carers.
HANDY INFO:
Visiting...
Our reception desk is manned 8.30am-8.30pm, Mon-Fri. Please let reception know who you are when you visit.
What to bring...
Patients are asked to bring nightwear, slippers and toiletries with them. If you need any other clothing while you’re here, we’ll ask your friends or relatives. Please also bring all the medication you are currently taking. St Columba’s Hospice Care cannot be held responsible or liable for items of value which may be kept in the patient’s possession.
Meal times...
Breakfast 8:00am / Lunch 12:00pm / Afternoon tea 2 :45pm / Supper: 5:00pm
Parking...
Free on-street parking is available, we just ask that you be respectful of local residents when you park. There is only Blue Badge Holders accessible parking available within our hospice grounds.
Refer a patient...
We work hard to ensure that the people who most need our help have access to the services they need, when they need them. Patients can be referred to St Columba’s Hospice Care by either a health or social care professional. Speak to your GP or your medical team if you are interested in accessing our services.
Are you a primary health or social care professional?
If you would like your patient to benefit from St Columba’s Hospice Care, please access us using SCI Gateway at https://www.sci.scot.nhs.uk.
If you’re referring from hospital, please fill in the electronic form and email it to us at sch.access@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Please fill out all the details as fully as possible as this will ensure we can process your request as quickly as possible.
If your referral is urgent, please also call us on 0131 551 7751 (available Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm) to help us understand the unique circumstances. For further information, see the NHS Lothian Palliative Care website at https://services.nhslothian.scot/palliativecare/Pages/default.aspx.
