Nursing and Residential care

The nursing and respite care services we offer at our centre at Ovingdean offer physical, social and intellectual stimulation in a safe and comfortable setting to
St Dunstaners including those who:

• Are coping with other illnesses and disabilities alongside their blindness
• Have no family available to help them stay self-sufficient
  
• Will benefit from a temporary stay to recover from an illness, or give their full-time carers a break
• Require support during their old age
  

Please note – care facilities at Ovingdean are only available to St Dunstaners and the places that become available for permanent residents are allocated strictly on the basis of need, with priority given to war-blinded ex-Service men and women.

Respite admissions are arranged subject to availability. 

Find out more about becoming a St Dunstaner.

Patients’ needs range from lifelong to short-term nursing care while recovering from surgery or illness. We aim to provide every client with the highest standard of care possible, while maintaining their independence and choice.

There are two Nursing wings at St Dunstan's, Ovingdean with a total of 18 beds.  The wings  were refurbished in 2008 to a high specification, to enable us to deliver high quality care to the changing needs of our clients. 

Our nurses are specifically trained to deal with patients with visual impairment, often in conjunction with other serious medical conditions. The care they offer goes beyond medical procedure and understanding, patience and commitment are vital. 

At Ovingdean St Dunstaners can enjoy an active and fulfilling life in manageable surroundings. Long-term residential care is available for clients who are struggling to cope without regular support. Residents have their own single rooms. In order to make these feel like a home from home – they can bring small items of their own furniture (provided these items meet the current fire safety regulations and do not impede the working space required by staff) and invite friends round. Assistants are available to help with everyday tasks and where possible we provide escorts to accompany residents on walks and shopping expeditions.

Also available are:

• Physiotherapy and assisted gymnasium sessions
• Recreational activities with specialist instruction, for example to attend craft workshops, and sports such as bowling, archery or swimming.
• Social activities including visits to the theatre or local attractions.  Where clients require assistance to attend social activities we endeavour to provide this, although we are not able to in all cases.
  

Short-term residential care is also available for St Dunstaners, allowing their long-term carers a break. 

St Dunstan's, like all registered care homes, is regularly inspected by an independent regulator of health and social care in England.  Previously known as the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), it became the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in April 2009.  Following inspection, a report is issued about the home, which describes and rates the services offered. Statutory requirements and non-compulsory recommendations about improvements may also be included. 

Our latest rating awarded from the CQC is Excellent.  Please click on the following link for current and previous Ovingdean reports Care Quality Commission. 

If you have any queries about the report please contact Jackie Greer, RGN - Head of Care on Tel: 01273 391420, who will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.