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.
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).
When you arrive at RMDU, you will be met by a member of our team who will guide you through your check in and admission process. 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 liaise regularly with you to find out how the programme is working for you. Family and carers often have an important role in supporting you to continue your programme and progress at home, so we are available to liaise with them where appropriate
The RMDU 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.
Admissions area consecutive 2-week stay and you will go 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.
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 bring a minimum of two weeks supply of your medication(s) on the day of your admission. These should be in their original packaging with pharmacy labels intact. This includes, but is not limited to:
- All prescription medication
- Over the counter medication
- High Tech medication
- Eye, ear and nasal drops/sprays
- Gels, creams and ointments
- Inhalers and nebules
- Patches
- Injections
- Vitamins, minerals and supplements
This will allow the Doctor and Pharmacist to review your medication(s) and know exactly what medication you are taking.
Please also include:
- A printed copy of your current prescription (your pharmacy or GP can supply this). Do not bring a handwritten list.
- If you have a diagnosis of diabetes, or take warfarin, your 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.
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.
Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services accept no responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged property.
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
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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 provided.
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 and promote the use of headphones for music/videos at any time, day or night.
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.
During the day, you will be actively participating in the programme and attending therapy sessions. Visitors are welcome in the evenings; however, as the programme can be physically and mentally demanding, we recommend keeping visits short to allow adequate time for rest and recovery. Visitors can be welcomed in the restaurant/coffee shop, or you may enjoy a walk together in the hospice grounds.
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.
- Work with us wholeheartedly to achieve your goals
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Tell us if you do not understand information we give you
- Give us complete information about your health and medical history
- Tell us if your goals and expectations are not being met in any way
- Respect our hand hygiene guidelines, and feel free to remind us to do the same
- Show consideration to other patients, their families and staff