Staying at Keech for Children & Young People

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Our inpatient unit

Many people feel apprehensive about a stay at the hospice but, after a few hours, people often tell us it is so much better than they expected.

As an inpatient at Keech, your child will be surrounded by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers whose expertise, and support will be available to you and your family when you need it 24/7.

With four single occupancy bedrooms and one double occupancy bedroom for siblings, plus accommodation for families, our inpatient unit has been designed to give you comfort, flexibility and privacy.

The unit offers your child the flexibility to spend time alone or in company, surrounded by their things and the people they care about. Our extensive grounds are there for them to enjoy at any time and we have an outdoor playground and indoor activity areas available. We also have facilities for older children tailored to their needs.

Alongside expert medical care, we can offer complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, music and art therapy, and hydrotherapy in our purpose-built pool, all designed to ease stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Your time with us is centred on providing the highest level of comfort and compassionate care.

Download our guide

Take a tour of our Luton site

If you’ve never visited us before, you may be wondering what a hospice looks like. We want to reassure you that the hospice is a bright and beautiful place, full of life

Take our 360° tour, and see beyond the entrance doors of our Luton hospice. Simply click on the video to get started

If you want to visit the hospice in person, our team would be delighted to show you around and answer any questions. Simply call us on 01582 492339 or email us at info@keech.org.uk

Book a tour

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Admissions to our inpatient unit

If you feel your child needs to be admitted to our Inpatient Unit, please ask your hospital or health professional to refer you if appropriate, and they will let you know when a bed becomes available, and transport can be arranged.

During their stay, your named nurse and the team will review your care regularly to ensure their comfort and wellbeing is maintained at all times.

Their care will be managed by a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the right medication, care and support is in place.

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From day one, Keech has been a place of understanding and warmth

Keech gave us a safe place to play and the chance to just be a family

Read Amelia's story

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring?

We want their stay to be as comfortable and welcoming as possible.

We ask that you bring with you:

Toiletries
Usual day clothes and nightwear
Appropriate footwear

You’re also welcome to bring personal items from home such as photographs, bedding, toys and games to make their space feel more homely and comforting.

If there is something that would make their stay with us special we would encourage you to speak to one of our team to discuss this.

Should we bring their medicines?

Please also bring with you the medicines your child is taking and, if possible, your most recent GP repeat prescription request.

This helps us to make sure we have an up-to-date view of their medicines and also saves wasting the medicines you already have as, once they have been checked, they will normally be able to continue to take them on the ward.

At Keech we have a pharmacy service so we will make sure you have all the medicines your child needs while staying with us.

I’m worried about leaving my child. How can I be sure they will be well looked after?

Many parents understandably worry about leaving their child but you can be sure that they will be well looked after at Keech.

We have doctors, nurses, support workers and counsellors who have been specially trained and are very experienced in caring for children and young adults with a range of illnesses and in many different situations.

If my child stays overnight, can we stay with them?

Yes, we have family accommodation on the children’s unit, so families can stay at the hospice, too.

What are the visiting times?

There is no restriction on visiting times or numbers, but please respect other patients and take advice from the senior nurse on duty. Normal visiting times are from 8am-10pm.

Children are welcome. Pets are welcome- they are part of the family too, but please do take advice from the senior nurse on duty.

We will only give information about you to people you have identified as your next of kin. Please make sure you let the staff know who these people are. If other people ask about you we will ask them to speak to your identified next of kin.

What about meals?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served every day and we’ll fit timings around you. You’re welcome to have any snacks as well as hot and cold drinks throughout the day. We have a varied and changing menu from our onsite restaurant, Valerie’s.

Is there outside space?

You are welcome to enjoy the gardens and pay areas which are open to everyone.

Do you have Wi-Fi?

Yes, we have good Wi-Fi access throughout the hospice – just ask a member of staff for the username and password.

I don’t drive, can you pick my child up?

We have a team of volunteer drivers available to pick you up if you cannot get yourself to the hospice. Please call our reception to arrange on 01582 492339.