Eastern Bays Wing is a unit within St. Andrew's Hospital, supported by Eastern Bays Hospice.

It provides a cosy and peaceful environment for those no longer able to be cared for at home and support for family who are facing a challenging time.

* 24hr care with a palliative focus
* Respite care or longer term care
* 1 Health Care Assistant to 3 patients 24/7
* Supervised by Registered Nurse
* Specialist Palliative Care advice available through Mercy
   Hospice
* 3 bedrooms each with own en-suite
* Family/patient lounge

How it all works

Those we have assisted tell us that our services have a significant beneficial effect on the way they feel.

A patient identified with Juliet Batten's words  "I have discovered a centre of calm in the midst of activity; I have become attentive to the ordinary, and have found a sanctuary within."

'All of the hugs helped too. All the ladies in the support group – you'se rock!! Such talented, interesting, smart and strong ladies...'

'We cannot speak highly enough of the palliative care nurses who looked after her. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They became like family to mum and were a great support to me and the rest of the family.'

" After my treatment I was able to go home and prepare a meal for my family. Something I normally wasn't able to do because of the swelling."

" Just walking in here and feeling the genuine peace and being able to talk to you about what really matters in a safe space has changed my life. I still miss him but I feel like I am somebody again."

"My beloved husband had only recently died then I myself was diagnosed and operated on for two completely different cancers over an extensive period of seven months. I duly arrived at dove house reeling from shock and still feeling extremely unwell. Reiki for me has offered deep relaxation and healing, an ability to step out of my own illness and grief. Currently I have a feeling of total unconditional support, a feeling of being treasured."

A little history

Many years ago it was recognised that a local hospice would be a welcome addition in the community.

Eastern Bays Hospice began as a day facility within St Andrews grounds and still operates today in the same location just inside the gates – known as dove house.

Very kindly the land is 'leased' to Eastern Bays Hospice by St Andrews at a peppercorn rental.

Following an approach from Eastern Bays Hospice Trust, a 24 hour in patient hospice facility was incorporated within St Andrews. This facility referred to as dove wing is operated collaboratively between St Andrews and Eastern Bays Hospice. St Andrews provides the building and the service environment.

It is also responsible for meeting the standards required by the Ministry of Health.

Eastern Bays Hospice provides funding for the nurses who work in dove wing and the availability of the three beds. We also fund the services of our experienced Palliative Care doctor, our Clinical Services Manager, Counsellor and make available all other services at dove house for you and your family.

We cover the total cost of respite and convalescent care.

The Facility and operation

Patients are referred to dove wing for:

• Respite care
• Symptom management
• Convalesce following treatment
• End of life care

dove wing generally operates as a short stay unit.

Your needs will be assessed on a regular basis.

After a three month period there will be a review in consultation with you and your family of your need for this level of care & plans will be made for your future alternative on-going care.

During your stay in dove wing you will see our dove house Clinical Services Manager, Trish Melville and our doctor, Graeme Kidd on a regular basis.

Other members of the dove house team will visit by appointment.

dove house is there for you and your family and the kettle is always on.

Our service is extensive, including volunteer companions, support groups and a range of therapies.

Please feel free to drop in and speak with our staff about how best we can assist you.

Refer to our introductory booklet

The cost to you

There is no cost to you for any of the dove house services as outlined in our Introductory Booklet.

In the case of respite care Eastern Bays Hospice funds the total cost.  However, all donations large or small, are gratefully received and one way people choose to contribute is by donating their Carer Support Funding if appropriate.

In the case of longer term care Residential or Palliative Care Funding will have been assessed before your admission and applied as in the normal private hospital setting.