Beccles Hospital Inpatients

Overview

ECCH has two Intermediate Care Units. One is at Minsmere Ward at Beccles Hospital, the other at Carlton Court Hospital in Carlton Colville on the outskirts of Lowestoft.

Both deliver rehabilitation and reablement care to patients who are not well enough to live independently but do not require acute hospital care. They enable patients to move from an acute hospital setting and receive individualised care which will enable them to recover quickly and return home safely.

Minsmere Ward has 20 inpatient beds. An additional 6 beds provide specialist palliative care, supported by a consultant and nursing staff. Our specialist palliative care service is provided in partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice.

Our wards are staffed by registered nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. We can also provide access to speech and language therapists, social workers and mental health workers, as required.

What to expect

 

 

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and therapy assistant practitioners complete an assessment shortly after a patient arrives on the unit and discuss a plan for rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation does not only occur when a therapist is present. It occurs every time activities are completed which increase independence such as washing, dressing or transfers assisted by staff.

The teams on both our wards will work closely with patients, and social services where appropriate, to develop a safe discharge plan.

If you would like to find out more, please see the frequently asked questions section below or contact the unit via the details below.

Visiting

Visiting hours for Minsmere ward are between 8am and 8pm. If you need to visit outside of visiting times, please arrange this by contacting the nurse in charge.

Please ensure you sanitise your hands upon arrival.

If you have any symptoms or feel generally unwell on the day of visiting, please do not come.

If you show symptoms while visiting e.g. persistent coughing, you may be asked to leave.

FAQs

Most patients stay for up to two weeks, but this does depend on their recovery, progress and any social care needs following discharge.

A patient’s progress is reviewed regularly. If additional support or time to recover is needed, the team will discuss the most appropriate next steps with you.

The aim is to support a patient’s recovery by helping them regain strength, mobility and independence so they can return home safely.

Patients will be supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and therapy assistant practitioners. Therapy will focus on improving mobility, strength, balance and practicing everyday activities such as getting in and out of bed, washing, dressing and moving safely.

As part of therapy intervention, you will be provided with an exercise plan which we encourage patients to complete independently. Equipment needs will also be discussed. To make sure that you are safe when you go home, we may ask you if we can visit your property to ensure a safe discharge.

During your stay you will be reviewed on a regular basis by a member of the therapy team.

It is important to remember that rehabilitation is not just when you see a therapist but is every time you practise your mobility and transfers with ward staff or carry out activities which increase your independence.

We ask that you are motivated to take part in therapy sessions and to practice mobility and transfers with other staff members on the ward.

The therapy staff, nursing team and social worker will help you to plan your safe discharge home. Any needs and options will be discussed with you and - with your agreement - your family, carer, or representative can be involved. You may not require social worker involvement if you do not have any ongoing care needs following your stay.

We understand that returning home from even a short stay in hospital can be worrying for you and your families, as you may not be back to your usual level of independence. The ward team will discuss appropriate support services and reablement care available to help you settle back safely into your home routine.

If you have any ongoing therapy requirements, referrals to the community Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services will be made for you.

Yes. With your consent, family members or carers can be involved in meetings or discussions about your progress, home situation and plans for returning home.

You can speak to any member of the ward team. They will be happy to answer your questions or direct you to the right person.

Contact

Address: 

St Mary’s Road
Beccles
Suffolk
NR34 9NQ

Resources

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