Information for visitors
We hope that the following information will answer some of your questions about visiting St Peter & St James. However, if you would like to know more please do not hesitate to contact us.
Parking
Visitor parking is at the front of St Peter & St James, please follow the signs in the driveway. Please do not park in the yellow bays in front of reception as these need to be kept free for ambulances. There are two disabled parking bays.
On arrival
All visitors are required to sign in when they enter the building and sign out when they leave. Please ensure that you sign in and out at reception as this is a legal requirement in case of fire.
If you have an appointment please speak to the receptionist who will notify the appropriate member of staff of your arrival. If you are visiting a patient and are unsure which room they are in please ask the receptionist.
Infection Control
As part of our infection control policy we ask all visitors to use the alcohol hand gel located in reception on arrival and departure. We also ask you to avoid visiting if you are suffering from a cold or other infectious illness.
Smoking
St Peter & St James operates a no smoking policy. If you wish to smoke please do so outside in designated areas and use the ashtrays provided.
Visiting hours
Visitors are welcome from 11.30am. We are unable to provide separate overnight accommodation but in special circumstances arrangements can be made. Please speak to a member of the nursing staff who will be able to help.
Meal times
| Breakfast: | 8.00am | |
| Morning Drinks: | 10.00am - 10.30am | |
| Lunch: | 12.30pm | |
| Afternoon drinks: | 3.00pm | |
| Dinner: | 5.30pm |
Enquiries
If you are calling to enquire about a patient, please try to avoid calling between 9.00am - 9.30am and 2.00pm - 2.30pm as nurses will be attending handover sessions during these times.
Patients' telephone
There is a telephone which can be moved into patients' rooms. The telephone number is 01444 471599. Please be prepared to wait for the telephone to be answered and moved to the patient's room. With permission from the Sister, patients may be allowed to use mobile phones in their rooms.
Mobile phones
Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched to silent to avoid disturbing patients. If you need to use a mobile phone please do so outside the building or in the refreshment area in reception.
Toilets
The visitors' toilet is located at the rear of the main reception area.
Reception shop
A selection of snacks, toiletries and gifts are available in the Hospice reception. Please pay the receptionist for your purchases or, if reception is not manned, please leave the correct money or a cheque made out to 'St Peter & St James Charitable Trust' in the wooden box on the reception desk.
Refreshments
Please feel free to use the drinks making facilities in the refreshment area at the front of reception. Drinks can be paid for in the collection box in the refreshment area or at reception. Sandwiches can be ordered from reception or kitchen staff before 11.45am. Soup and a bread roll are available from midday until 1.30pm. The Wivelsfield Green Village Store and Post Office offers a wide range of snacks and sandwiches and also sells flowers.
What to bring
You are welcome to bring in small items from home such as photos and pictures to make patients' rooms feel homely.Gifts for staff
Our doctors and nurses are not allowed to accept gifts or gifts in kind. All of our Hospice services are free of charge to patients and their loved ones. We receive less than 15% of our funding from the Government and have to raise more than £1.4 million every year through fundraising. That's £4,000 every single day. If you wish to show your appreciation please consider making a donation to St Peter & St James or to the staff fund.
The grounds & courtyard
St Peter & St James is set in 28 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside. We are very fortunate to be in such a lovely location and we welcome you to make the most of it during your visit.
Woodland Walk & Summer House
We encourage our patients and their loved ones to make the most of our grounds, which include landscaped gardens, a wheelchair friendly woodland walk and a summer house. You are welcome to spend time in the summer house and a key is available from reception. With the prior consent of the Sister you are welcome to take patients out into the grounds. If you need to borrow a wheelchair please speak to a nurse.