A calm place to be cared for.
A purpose-built unit in gardens on the banks of the River Foyle. Our nurses and doctors care for people with a life-limiting illness, day and night, and look after their families too.
Every stay is free of charge. Figures are for April 2025 to March 2026, from our Annual Report 2025/26.
The Inpatient Unit is part of Foyle Hospice on Culmore Road, Derry~Londonderry. It opened in 1991 and has cared for people from across our community ever since.
We care for adults with a life-limiting illness, which means an illness that cannot be cured. Many have cancer. Others have heart or lung disease, dementia or a progressive neurological illness. Everyone is treated with compassion, understanding and dignity, and we look after the people closest to you too: your family, your friends and the people who care for you.
People come into the Inpatient Unit for different reasons, and some go home again. Every admission is based on what you need: your symptoms, your circumstances and the support you and your family need.
When symptoms are hard to manage at home, a stay gives our nurses and doctors time to find what helps. When you are ready to leave, we plan it with you and your family and let your GP and community services know how you are.
Caring for someone with a serious illness is demanding, however much you love them. A short respite stay gives everyone a chance to rest, knowing you are in good hands.
For people in the last days or weeks of life, we give specialist care that keeps you as comfortable as possible, with privacy, time and space for the people closest to you.
Every patient has their own room, and bedrooms are en-suite. You can enjoy the gardens from your room, or on a walk around the grounds when you feel able. If anything would help you settle in, please tell us.
Hospice care looks after your body, mind and spirit. We take time to get to know you, and we plan your care around what matters to you.
Nurses, doctors and healthcare assistants work alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers, all experienced in specialist palliative care. Chaplains and volunteers are part of the team too.
When you arrive, we get to know you as a person, not just your illness. Your care plan reflects your wishes, and you and your family are involved in planning it.
Our catering team prepares fresh, nutritious meals and adapts them to your needs, tastes and allergies. Mealtimes are flexible, and help with eating is there if you need it. Our kitchen holds the top food hygiene rating of 5.
Complementary therapies such as reflexology and massage are offered alongside your medical care. They can help you relax and may ease stress and anxiety. Families and carers can use them too.
Chaplains from the main Christian churches offer a listening ear, prayer and services if you would like them. Please tell us about any spiritual or cultural needs you have.
The unit's nurses and doctors also answer our 24-hour advice line for patients, families, carers and health professionals. Call 028 7135 1010 and ask for a nurse or doctor.
The hospice sits in landscaped gardens beside the River Foyle. Patients, families and staff find them uplifting, whether on a stroll around the grounds or simply looking out from a room. Near the gazebo, a rose garden dedicated to Dr Tom McGinley, the local GP whose vision began Foyle Hospice, looks out towards the Foyle Bridge.
27 volunteers give their time in the Inpatient Unit. Evening Tea Assistants come in on their own evening each week to offer refreshments and a friendly chat, and volunteer gardeners are here every Tuesday morning. Local businesses help too, through corporate volunteering days. Volunteer with us.
When someone you love comes into the Inpatient Unit, we look after you as well. With your loved one's agreement, our team will keep you informed, answer your questions and support you through a very hard time.
There is a kitchen and sitting room for visitors, and sitting areas and a sun room around the unit, so there is space to be together. Please talk to the nurses about visiting.
If you need to stay near your loved one, there are self-contained apartments at the hospice. Ask the nurse in charge about using one.
Our social workers and chaplains are here for families as well as patients. Afterwards, our adult bereavement service offers free counselling, and Healing Hearts supports children and young people aged 4 to 18.
A referral to the Inpatient Unit comes from a health professional. If you are not sure where to start, call us on 028 7135 1010 and we will talk it through with you.
Your GP, hospital consultant or palliative care team can refer you. So can our own community nurses and our Day Therapy team.
Our team reviews every referral together. Admission is based on your symptoms, your circumstances and the support you and your family need.
When a bed is available, we arrange your admission. Sometimes there is a wait. If you are already cared for by our community nurses, they will keep supporting you at home in the meantime.
If you cannot travel by car, please check with your GP to arrange transport.
Referrals come from GPs, hospital consultants and palliative care teams, and from our community and Day Therapy teams. Our nurses and doctors give advice about patients 24 hours a day.
Foyle Hospice supports people across the Western Health and Social Care Trust area. The Inpatient Unit, Day Therapy and our bereavement services are at the hospice on Culmore Road, Derry~Londonderry. Our Community Specialist Palliative Care nurses work in two sectors, so that care reaches people where they live.
£30 could fund an hour of care in the Inpatient Unit, and £720 a bed for 24 hours. If you would like to help, there are many ways to give your time or support.
Foyle Hospice’s Inpatient Unit is a purpose built facility situated in beautifully landscaped gardens on the banks of the River Foyle. It can accommodate 9 patients, some in single rooms and others in shared rooms, all with en-suite facilities. In addition to the patients’ bedrooms the unit includes, a jacuzzi bathroom, easily accessible toilets, multiple sitting areas, a sun room, an interdenominational prayer room, self-contained apartments and visitors’ kitchen and sitting room.
There are a number of reasons why people may be admitted to Foyle Hospice, Inpatient Unit. These include:
– Complex pain and symptom management
– Specialised palliative care in the final stages of a person’s illness
– Respite care for the patient/family/carer
Please note: Patients being admitted to the Hospice from home should request that their GP arrange transport, if they are unable to travel by car.