FAQ’s

If you answer yes to any of the below questions – please contact the RMDU team prior to your admission on (01) 406 8808.

• Have you ever been informed you have or have had a superbug called MRSA, ESBL or VRE?
• Have you ever been told you have or have been in contact with someone with CRE or CPE bugs?
• Have you ever been isolated (placed in a single room) during any previous hospital admission?
• Have you ever been given a blue card in any hospital before?

Please note that answering yes to any of the above questions does not mean that your admission is cancelled, rather it allows us to prepare should special requirements be necessary.

You will be also asked some questions about COVID-19 and seasonal flu prior to admission, on admission day and after weekend leave.

Please, do not come in for admission if you have COVID -19 symptoms and / or flulike symptoms and/or vomiting and/or diarrhoea (ring the ward prior to your admission).

A COVID -19 swab will be taken on arrival each week and you will be put into isolation until the result is back (usually within 24 hours) and “Not Detected”. You will not be allowed to leave your bedside area during that time. In the event you become symptomatic, a close contact and / or your swab result is positive for COVID-19, you will be discharged from our service.

Please note that if you need to bring and use a CPAP machine, please inform the ward prior to admission.

When you arrive at RMDU, you will be assessed by our multidisciplinary team. Our team will then meet to discuss the care you need. After this, an individualised care plan will be drawn up with you, with input from each team member.

During your stay with us, your progress will be monitored. We will chat regularly with you to find out how the programme is working for you. We are also happy to speak with your family, loved ones or carer(s) to discuss how to support your care once you leave RMDU.

The rheumatology ward (St. Teresa’s Ward) is located on the second floor of the Caritas building.

You will be notified over the phone and with a text message of your admission date and time. Please attend at the scheduled time. Please note that late arrival may result in admission being declined.

You should attend unaccompanied unless absolutely necessary.

Please bring the following items for your stay with us:

• Comfortable clothing and footwear with closed toe and heel (e.g. runners) for exercising. Shoes and slippers should be non-slip for safety and preferably not new.
• Nightwear.
• Any orthotics and braces you may use.
• Swim wear for the hydrotherapy pool and a pair of flip flops/pool shoes. Please note that hydrotherapy sessions are limited and are not offered daily. Please also note that not all patients are deemed suitable for hydrotherapy.
• Any mobility aids or equipment that you use daily (walking stick, walking frame, crutches, own wheelchair, hand splints, transfer board, adapted cups / cutlery, hearing aid, reading glasses etc)
• A reusable water bottle.
• A supply of any toiletries you use (including incontinence wear if applicable). Please note that toiletries are not supplied by the ward. We do provide hand and bath towels.
• Any relevant medical information and scan reports.
• Contact details of your GP, local pharmacy and PPS number.
• Medical card number
• Medications that you are currently prescribed – please see below for further information.

We would request that patients only bring essential items as we have limited storage facilities on site.

Please note that we cannot take any responsibility for personal items retained by you throughout your stay. We strongly advise you not to bring any valuables, e.g. jewellery or large amounts of cash. If you are an in-patient, please leave your valuables in the care of relatives or friends.

Please note that staff are not permitted to hold any cash, valuables or personal documents for patients.

If you are taking any tablets or other medicines including “High Tech” medications, any over the counter medications, eye drops, gels or creams, inhalers, patches, insulin etc, it is very important that you bring these with you on the day of your admission. This will allow the Doctor and Pharmacist to review your medicines and know exactly what medicine(s) you are taking.

Please also include a printed copy of your current prescription (your pharmacy or GP can supply this) and not a handwritten list.

Don’t forget to bring a 2-week supply of your medication in their up-to-date original boxes with pharmacy labels intact. Please do not bring medication in pill boxes or any container that you have filled yourself.

If you have a diagnosis of diabetes, and or take warfarin, please bring book(s) with all recent readings.

Please note that we will be using your own medication as part of the “Patient’s Own Drugs, (POD’s) quality initiative.”

Should you wish to make a compliment, complaint or raise a concern please speak with a senior member of the team. There are also suggestion boxes available throughout our hospices, into which written complaints or suggestions can be dropped. The boxes are checked regularly, and all suggestions are discussed by the team.

If a resolution cannot be found, the complaint may be directed to the Complaints Officer. See here

We have a restaurant facility as well as a Coffee Dock on site. These facilities are payable locally.

There is free Wi-Fi (Internet) connectivity available throughout the premises.

Please note that there is no ATM available on the campus, however cashback up to the value of €20 is available in our Coffee Dock and Restaurant facilities during opening hours.

Please note that there is no laundry service available within RMDU. However, fresh towels are available to patients daily.

Please note that the use of mobile phones is restricted during therapy sessions. In consideration of other patients, we also request restricted use after 10.30pm.

CCTV cameras monitor the Hospice both internally and externally 24hrs a day. Any security incidents, including items lost or found should be reported to the Security Office in the Palliative Care entrance hall. Security personnel are on the campus 24 hours a day.

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, visiting is not permitted in RMDU at present

RMDU is a smoking and vaping free zone. Smoking is only permitted at the designated smoking shelter at the front of the Caritas building.

Please note that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted during your stay.

AGH accommodation consists of single, twin and triple occupancy rooms. Single rooms are offered on the basis of clinical and infection control requirements and as such do not become available very often. All rooms are equipped with a nurse call bell, television, free Wi-Fi and most rooms have direct access onto a courtyard.

Please note that due to demand we often have a significant waiting list. Please also note that due to single room requests, residents who will only accept a single room will experience a longer wait time for a bed.

AGH is not a dementia specific centre. However, we are dementia focused and strive to provide the highest level of care for people with dementia. As we are not a dementia specific service there are occasions where we are unable to meet the needs of some prospective residents. All clients are assessed on an individual basis for suitability and AGH being an open unit can be an influencing factor in the decision.

Our facilities include a restaurant, coffee shop, small shop, hair dressing salon, extensive gardens, reflection spaces and a church.

Please contact a member of the Patient Services Team by phone (01) 4986267 or email patientservices@olh.ie to arrange to visit the unit prior to admission. The Patient Services Team will schedule the visit with the relevant ward. Unfortunately, it is not possible to accommodate walk-in visits without prior arrangement.

Daily visiting is available between 13.30-16.30 (1.30pm and 4.30 pm) and between 17.30-19.30 (5.30pm and 7.30pm).

Visitors must sign in at reception and perform hand hygiene before going into the wards. Visiting restrictions may be in place from time to time for infection control purposes (please adhere to the Infection control signs and advice from staff in the relevant wards)

Our residents are encouraged to maintain contact with family, friends and loves ones bearing in mind the risks of COVID-19. This may include visits home, subject to the approval of the Medical Officer or Ward Manager. The Ward Manager must be advised, as early as possible, of any proposed visits home and a risk assessment must be carried out in advance.

We encourage residents to bring in items such as photos, art works and other effects which will make them feel more at home in their rooms.

A Residents’ Forum is available to all Anna Gaynor Residents and meet on a regular basis. This forum, facilitated by a Volunteer, addresses issues which may arise for residents in line with the following objectives:

• To voice the views and wishes of the Residents.
• To bring Residents’ issues to the attention of Staff and Management.
• To contribute to a close working partnership of Residents, Staff and Management.
• To work together to implement changes that have been identified by Residents.

The Assistant Director of Nursing, Lisa Murphy, is available to speak to any Resident if they have any concerns. Lisa can be contacted at lisamurphy@olh.ie. Lisa is also on the wards on a regular basis should you wish to speak with her. There is also access to an independent advocate separate from Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services upon request.

A team of medical social workers is available to provide a personal and confidential service to residents and relatives.

If residents are anxious or worried about any problem, emotional or practical, their progress could be hindered. Consultation with the social workers may resolve some of these issues. You will be given an opportunity to consider your individual choices and to reach decisions.

Meal times:
Breakfast: 8.30am
Lunch: 12.30pm
Tea: 4.45pm

Menu choices are taken in advance.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to visit at the above times to assist their relative/friend with their meals.

If you wish to have meals at different times or in different areas of the Hospice, please advise a member of staff.

Snacks and drinks are also offered at regular intervals and on request. There are vending machines available also.

(Special arrangements can be made if these times don’t suit on a particular day)

We cannot take any responsibility for personal items retained by you throughout your stay. We strongly advise you not to bring any valuables, e.g. jewellery, large amounts of cash (greater than €50), private documents. A lockable drawer in each bedside locker is available. If you are an inpatient, please leave your valuables in the care of relatives or friends. Staff are not permitted to hold any cash, valuables or personal documents for patients/residents.

Each patient is provided with a lockable bedside locker. We recommend that residents keep no more than €50 and that they lock it away. The general office operates a system whereby money can be stored safely for residents and accessed during office hours.

If you are taking any tablets or other medicines, including eye drops, inhalers, patches, gel for pain and supplements, it would be very helpful if you could bring these with you on the day of your admission. If this is not possible, please bring an up to date prescription or medication list with you. This will allow the doctor and pharmacist to know exactly what medicine(s) you are taking and review them, if necessary.

Following your admission to Anna Gaynor House, the Pharmacy Department in Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services will supply any medicines that you require.

Should you wish to make a compliment, complaint or raise a concern please ask for one of our nurses or ward managers to discuss. There are also suggestion boxes available on each ward in Anna Gaynor House, into which written complaints or suggestions can be dropped. The boxes are checked regularly, and all suggestions are discussed by the team. If a resolution cannot be found, the complaint may be directed to the Complaints Officer. See here

There is free Wi-Fi (Internet) connectivity available throughout AGH.

Laundering of clothes is carried out by an external agency on behalf of the Hospice or it can be taken home by the Resident’s relatives/friends.

A laundry bag will be left at the back of your locker. To avoid loss or misplacement of items of clothing, each item should be marked with the Resident’s name and the name of the unit.

Please note that the use of mobile phones is restricted during therapy sessions. In consideration of other residents, we also request restricted use after 10.30pm.

For the protection of our residents, CCTV cameras monitor the hospice both internally and externally 24hrs a day. Any security incidents, including items lost or found, should be reported to the Security Office in the Palliative Care entrance hall.

Security personnel are present on the Harold’s Cross campus 24 hours a day.

Free car parking is available for patients and visitors. There are designated wheelchairs spaces in Car Park 1, opposite the Palliative Care Unit.

AGH is a smoking and vaping free zone. Smoking is only permitted at the designated smoking shelter at the front of the Caritas building.

When you arrive at CRU, you will be assessed by our multidisciplinary team. Our team will then meet to discuss the care you need.  After this, an individualised care plan will be drawn up with you, with input from each team member.

During your stay with us, your progress will be monitored. We will chat regularly with you to find out how well the programme is working for you. We are also happy to meet with your family, loved ones or carer(s) to discuss how to support your care once you leave CRU.

CRU is a ground floor unit located in the Caritas building. Follow signs to security, where you will be directed to CRU staff.

You will need the following items during your stay with us:

• Tracksuit or comfortable trousers / leggings
• Flat shoes or runners
• Swimwear (for hydrotherapy pool)
• Any dressing aids normally used
• Usual nightwear and toiletries
• Mobility aids: crutches, sticks, wheelchairs etc
• Medical card number
• Medications that you are currently prescribed

If you are taking any tablets or other medicines, including eye drops, inhalers, patches, gel for pain and supplements, it is very important that you bring these with you on the day of your admission. This will allow the Doctor and Pharmacist to review your medicines and know exactly what medicine(s) you are taking. You will need a supply of medications for your stay.

Should you wish to make a compliment, complaint or raise a concern please ask for one of our nurses or ward managers to discuss. There are also suggestion boxes available in CRU, into which written complaints or suggestions can be dropped. The boxes are checked regularly, and all suggestions are discussed by the team.
If a resolution cannot be found, the complaint may be directed to the Complaints Officer. See here

We have a Coffee Dock and a restaurant on site. Both of these facilities are payable locally.

Please note that there is no laundry service available within CRU. However, fresh towels are available to patients on a daily basis.

Please see latest COVID restrictions here.

CRU is a smoking and vaping free zone. Smoking is only permitted at the designated smoking shelter at the front of the Caritas building.

Prospective patients who may be considered for admission are those who have been recently diagnosed with dementia.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a member of staff who will check you in and welcome you to the service. You will then be assessed by our Advanced Nurse Practitioner and other members of the multidisciplinary team as required. After this, an individualised care plan will be drawn up with you, with input from each team member. 

During your time with us, your progress will be monitored. We will chat regularly with you to find out how well the programme is working for you. We also speak with your family, loved ones or carer to discuss how to support your care once you leave our service.

• 10:30 – arrive and meet other group members. Refreshments and light snacks will be offered.
• 11:15-12:15 – attend the CST group
• 12:30 – finish and return home

Please bring the following items when you attend our service:

• Medications that you are currently prescribed. If you are taking any tablets or other medicines, it would be very helpful if you could bring these with you on the day of your admission. If this is not possible, please bring an up to date prescription or medication list with you. This will allow the doctor and pharmacist to know exactly what medicine(s) you are taking and review them, if necessary.

Please note that we cannot take any responsibility for personal items retained by you when attending our services. We strongly advise you not to bring any valuables, e.g. jewellery or large amounts of cash.

Please note that staff are not permitted to hold any cash, valuables or personal documents for patients.

Please liaise with your CST programme lead for upcoming support group meeting dates.

Should you wish to make a compliment, complaint or raise a concern please speak with a senior member of the team. There are also suggestion boxes available throughout our hospices, into which written complaints or suggestions can be dropped. The boxes are checked regularly, and all suggestions are discussed by the team.

Smoking is only permitted at the designated smoking shelter at the front of the Caritas building.

Admissions are for 2 consecutive weeks stay, home at weekends.

The RMDU ward closes at 4pm on Fridays. Please ensure you organise your own transport home prior to ward closure as there is no waiting area available and please remember to take all your belongings home with you each week.

Please note that if you are due to have any hospital appointment(s) during your admission period, we recommend you defer your admission to a different week. Please note that missed therapy sessions will not be re-scheduled.

We always try to be flexible in welcoming family and close friends. Please remember that patients are our priority and from time to time we may need to restrict visiting for particular reasons. Visitors are reminded to respect the privacy and needs of the patient they are visiting and others in our care. Please click here to see our latest visiting requirements.

Please note that we cannot take any responsibility for personal items during your time with us. We strongly advise you not to bring any valuables, e.g. jewellery, large amounts of cash, private documents.

Each patient is provided with a safe.

Please note that staff are not permitted to hold any cash, valuables or personal documents for patients.

Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services accept no responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged property.

If the team are offering admission to our in-patient unit and you wish to visit first, please contact our Patient Services Department on 01-406-8790 and this can be arranged.

Please click here to find out how to get to Harold’s Cross Hospice.

There is limited free car parking available for patients and visitors at our Wicklow site.

Please click here to see what facilities are available in the hospice.

We always try to be flexible in welcoming family and close friends. Please remember that patients are our priority and from time to time we may need to restrict visiting for particular reasons. Visitors are reminded to respect the privacy and needs of the patient they are visiting and others in our care. Please click here to see our latest visiting requirements.

One of the things people often worry about is the cost of the care they receive. Please note that there are no charges for our Specialist Community Palliative Care services.

• Do patients have to pay for their stay in the in-patient unit?
  • No, OLH&CS does not charge patients or next of kin for their stay in the specialist palliative care in-patient unit.
  • However, the specialist palliative care in-patient unit is approved by Vhi Healthcare, Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health for private health insurance and this means that OLH&CS can make claims in respect of patients who have private health insurance cover.
  • As such, we would respectfully request that patients who have private health insurance would consider allowing us to make a claim against their stay.
  • Please note that any decision on the part of a patient or their next of kin to agree to a private health insurance claim is purely voluntary.
• Why do we ask patients permission to submit a private health insurance claim?
  • Every year, OLH&CS provides specialist and person-centred palliative care to approximately 800 patients in our in-patient units in Harold’s Cross and Blackrock Hospices. In 2020, it cost approximately €13 million to provide these specialist palliative care services.
  • We are partially funded by the HSE – about 82% of our operational running costs are funded by the State. The balance comes from a number of areas, one of which is private health insurance claims.
  • The remaining shortfall, approximately 11% is funded through the generosity of our donors and in 2020, over €5 million was raised through Fundraising to support frontline services.
  • Therefore, private health insurance is a vital source of income for OLH&CS as it helps us to bridge the very significant shortfall between the funding we receive and the amount we require to continue to provide our specialist services to those who need them.
• How much can OLH&CS claim per night?
  • The amount claimable can depend upon the individual private health insurance policy but the average rate payable to OLH&CS is approximately €700 per night.
• Does claiming on private health insurance or not impact upon a patient’s care?
  • Absolutely not. Whether a patient has private health insurance or not or chooses to claim or not, this has no influence on the care received or the type of room provided. All of the bedrooms in our in-patient units are single rooms.
• Will a claim impact on a patient’s insurance?
  • No. Please know that a premium is not affected by the number of claims that an individual makes.
• If a private health insurance claim is part-paid or rejected, will a patient receive a bill?
  • No. Please know that if a claim is part-paid or rejected by a private health insurance provider, OLH&CS will not send an invoice to a patient or their next of kin.
• Are there a limited number of days that can be claimed for in any healthcare setting?
  • Yes. Most plans have an annual cap of 183 days in any 12-month period that a private patient can be an in-patient in a hospital or healthcare setting. Any queries in relation to this can be clarified with your private health insurance provider.

We are here to support and and your loved ones. If you have any queries in relation to making a private health insurance claim in relation to a stay in one of our in-patient units please contact a member of our Patient Services Team on 01 4068790.

We encourage patients to bring in personal items such as photos, art, soft furnishings and other effects which will make them feel more at home in their rooms. Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services however, accepts no responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged property.

Please note that we cannot take any responsibility for personal items during your time with us. We strongly advise you not to bring any valuables, e.g. jewellery, large amounts of cash (greater than €50), or private documents.

Each patient is provided with a safe. We recommend that patients keep no more than €50 and that they lock it away. The general office operates a system whereby money can be stored safely for residents and accessed during office hours.

Please note that staff are not permitted to hold any cash, valuables or personal documents for patients.

If you are taking any tablets or other medicines, including eye drops, inhalers, patches, gel for pain and supplements, it would be very helpful if you could bring these with you on the day of your admission. If this is not possible, please bring an up to date prescription or medication list with you. This will allow the doctor and pharmacist to know exactly what medicine(s) you are taking and review them, if necessary.

We are not in a position to provide a laundry service to patients and we ask that laundry be taken home by the patient’s relatives / friends.

Patients attending our Services may avail of our Volunteer Driver service. Please contact the Volunteer Department to find out more.

This can vary depending on the appointment. Please contact your care team at the Hospice.

If you are not feeling well when you attend for an onsite appointment, please do not come on site and contact your care team at the Hospice.

There is free Wi-Fi (Internet) connectivity available throughout Blackrock hospice.

We provide three meals a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu choices are taken in advance and snacks and drinks are also offered at regular intervals and upon request. There are vending machines available also.

We have a restaurant facility on site. These facilities are payable locally.

Please note that there is no ATM available. However, cashback up of to €20 is available in our Restaurant during opening hours.

CCTV cameras monitor the hospice both internally and externally. Any security incidents, including items lost or found, should be reported to Security. Security personnel are present on campus 24 hours a day.

There is limited free car parking available for patients and visitors at our Blackrock site.

Should you wish to make a compliment, complaint or raise a concern please speak with a senior member of the team. There are also suggestion boxes available throughout our hospices, into which written complaints or suggestions can be dropped. The boxes are checked regularly, and all suggestions are discussed by the team.

If a resolution cannot be found, the complaint may be directed to the Complaints Officer.Please tell us what you think here.

Patients will receive a ‘Keeping in Touch’ form to share with loved ones. We are unable to contact them unless we have their permission. We ask them to share their details with us so we are allowed to contact them. We can send on information about services they may find helpful and to get valuable feedback on our work. These forms are available from our staff and on our wards or are available here.

Palliative care is about ensuring quality of life and peace of mind for you and your loved ones at every stage, even into bereavement.

As a person’s physical health changes, so too may their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Different worries and concerns can arise but with the right support, wellbeing can improve even as physical health declines. End of life is a journey of constant change.

We can also help with practical matters such as giving advice and help in securing other services or entitlements.

We can arrange

• Family meetings with those involved in the patient’s care
• Advice and support in helping children and others cope
• Individual counselling
• Guidance on how best to communicate and share difficult issues

Please note that our services are available to people of all faiths and no faiths.

A hospice is a place of care for those with life-limiting illness. We call our three facilities Hospices or Palliative Care Units.

By “end of life care” we mean treatment, care and support for people who are nearing the end of their life – perhaps with just days or weeks to live. This is a very important part of palliative care. It helps you to live as comfortably as possible in the time you have left.  We work as a team to deal with symptoms that may be troubling you, to provide emotional and social support for you and your loved ones.

Rehabilitation can help with challenges faced because of illness or treatments for that illness. If you notice changes in your ability to complete your typical daily routines we may be able to help. This work focusses on what you are able to do and what you would like to be able to do.

Pain management is an important aspect of palliative care. This may involve medication or therapy-based treatments. We monitor patients closely and work with them to get the best response. If needed, we liaise with hospital-based pain teams and radiotherapy colleagues.

Symptoms can often prevent you from being comfortable and at ease. Our specialist teams work with you to address your symptoms so you can live as well and as comfortably as possible. This may include focussing on areas such as fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, constipation, pain, mobility problems or anxiety.

You can access palliative care at any age and at any stage after your diagnosis. Getting palliative care at an early stage can sometimes help to better manage your symptoms. This can help you to be more comfortable and have a better quality of life.

Some people are referred by their GP because their symptoms are difficult to manage. Others meet our consultants in hospitals where they are being treated.

Depending on your needs, you may move in and out of palliative care. If your condition changes or stabilises our specialised involvement may no longer be necessary. If this happens you may return to the care of your GP and other specialists.

We believe palliative care can make all the difference. Palliative care can help you live as actively as possible. We give practical advice and provide on-going support to your family and carers. We have everyone’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing at the heart of what we do. We listen to your needs and those of your family and caregivers.

Palliative care gives you, and those close to you, the time to do and talk about what matters to you most. It can help you and your family feel more comfortable and more in control.

Consultants in Palliative Medicine lead our Specialist Palliative Care services. Patient care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team. This team is made up of people with different skills, who work with community and hospital services.

Patients coping with many different conditions and illnesses can access palliative care. All Palliative Care patients have a life-limiting condition – an illness or disease which is progressive and cannot be cured. Many patients have advanced cancer but there are many with other illnesses, such as motor neuron disease or severe heart or lung disease.

Patients attend at different stages of their illness – some will have months or years to live while others may have only days or weeks. Many are also attending hospital for other specialist treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This may be where they first meet our consultants. Some attend because they have difficult symptoms like pain or nausea. Others may be frail and need specialist support to care for themselves.

Our services are available to people of all faiths and no faiths.