This page is designed to give you all the information you need whilst you are here visiting a patient. However, if there is anything we haven’t mentioned, please speak to a member of staff.
Contacting the hospice: Between 08.30 – 17.00 (Monday to Friday) please telephone 01702 220350 Between 17.00 – 08.30 (and at weekends) please telephone 01702 344879 or 01702 220333 Mobile phones may be used in the public areas but not in the patient bedrooms.
Fire Alarm: The fire alarm is tested on a weekly basis at Fair Havens. Visitors in the building will be alerted when the fire bell is going to be sounded. If you hear the alarm and have not been alerted please leave the building and wait in the car park beside Reception where a member of staff will assist you.
Flowers: Our patients love to receive flowers and vases are available from the staff. Our volunteer staff will help you find what you need.
Funding: Care at Fair Havens is free of charge to everyone using any of our services. If you would like to make a donation then please speak to our reception staff who will arrange for someone from our Fundraising Team to speak to you.
Gardens: Please feel free to use the gardens at any time. If you have children with you in the garden please ensure they are supervised as the pond is fairly deep and cars are constantly moving around the car park.
Making a comment or complaint: We hope that everything is to your satisfaction whilst visiting Fair Havens. However, if you have a comment or complaint to make then please speak to one of the nursing staff or the Head of Patient Services.
Meals: Meals are available for the main carer of the patient only and a small charge is payable. (Prices are on display at the coffee bar area). If you would like a meal at lunchtime please let one of the kitchen staff know by 10.30am. Tea and coffee are available at all times from the coffee bar area.
Nursing Staff: Our Nursing Staff are available at all times for visitors. If you need to talk to someone then the office is located upstairs – please just call in and speak to one of the staff.
Parking: Parking is very limited at the hospice. The front car park is reserved for patients families and visitors, however, if you are unable to park in the car park then spaces can usually be found in one of the surrounding streets. Please note that from November to March parking is available in First Avenue and is free along the seafront after 10am.
Reception: Reception is open between the hours of 08.30 – 17.00. At all other times the front door in Chalkwell Avenue is in use – please ring the doorbell and a member of staff will be alerted. Please do not use the front door to the hospice between the hours of 08.30 – 17.00 For health and safety reasons please ensure that you sign in each time you visit the hospice and also enter the time you leave.
Security: The safety of our patients is very important to us. Please respect areas that are for ‘staff only’ and keep security doors shut.
Smoking: The organisation operates a no smoking policy within the building, but a smoking area is provided within the grounds for the use of staff and visitors.
Spiritual Care: Our Chaplaincy staff are available at all times for discussion or prayer and the chapel is available for all visitors and patients. Please let one of the nursing staff know if you would like to speak to a chaplain. Prayers are held in the chapel every morning and all are welcome. Please ask reception for the time.
Staying Overnight: Visitors are welcome to stay overnight with seriously ill patients, as long as this has been arranged with the nurse in charge. A sofa bed is available in the upstairs lounge or alternatively a fold up bed can be used in the patient’s bedroom.
Toilets: Toilets for visitors are available on each floor and are signposted.
Visiting: You may visit patients at Fair Havens at any time, however please remember that some of our patients may be sleeping after 9pm. The nursing staff will advise you if it is not possible to visit a patient. Children are very welcome to visit but MUST be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. The hospice operates a zero tolerance policy. If staff have any concerns regarding the behaviour of a visitor whilst on the premises, that visitor will be asked to leave.
Volunteers: Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the care at Fair Havens Hospice.
Your Views: Your views are important to us and enable us to develop our services. We have a User Group that meets four times a year and welcomes new members. If you would like to be part of this group please speak to Catherine Wood, Head of Patient Services.
