Strathcarron Hospice In-patient Unit (IPU) provides short stay specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people living in Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth. Most patients supported by Strathcarron have their needs met at home and don’t require specialist in-patient care.

We care for some people at the end of life - enabling them to make the most of whatever time is left.  For others, we work with them to regain their independence and enable them to return home with the expert help of our clinical team. Health professionals can refer to the in-patient unit via SCI Gateway.

Before accepting someone to the in-patient unit we will first establish whether the person’s needs could be addressed and met at home.  This might include input from the wider health and social care teams and the wider hospice community team. This includes doctors, community CNSs, hospice@home health care assistants, chaplains, patient and family support team, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist.  

The Hospice offers admission for complex symptom control and end-of-life care.  A bed may be offered for a period of assessment and treatment normally over a 2-week period.  Following this time, or any time during the admission if symptoms improve, or condition stabilises the Multi Disciplinary Team will discuss discharge home, or an alternative place of care, if home is no longer appropriate. This ensures that the limited specialist palliative care beds are used appropriately as the Hospice is not intended for long term care.

The person being referred and their family and/or Power of Attorney (if appropriate) should be made aware at the time of the referral that the Hospice does not provide continuing care. A person’s symptoms can continue to be actively managed at home following an initial period of more intensive assessment in the hospice in-patient unit. 

Our professional staff are supported by a team of committed Hospice volunteers who assist us in a wide range of ways and help to create the warm and friendly atmosphere that you will experience when you visit.

All our rooms overlook our beautiful grounds. Close family and friends can visit any time and if required can stay overnight to be close to you. We aim to do all we can to enable you and those close to you to live in a way that is as meaningful and to make every moment count. 

Information for Patients, Relatives and Visitors