Introduction / Facilities / Themed weeks & activities / Who may come? / Where to find us / Transport / Finance / To book a stay at Netley Waterside House / Talk to us / Telephone Numbers

Refresh is a charity that provides planned breaks, convalescence and respite care for one or two weeks for those who are severely physically disabled and/or ventilator-dependent

at Netley Waterside House, on Southampton Water

Introduction

Most residential care and nursing homes are unable to provide respite breaks for people with severe physical disability or those on breathing machines (Responauts). Refresh can do both.

Refresh is the joint owner with Vitalise (http://www.vitalise.org.uk/) previously the Winged Fellowship Trust) of Netley Waterside House, a nursing-care home that is specially designed for guests with severe physical disability. It is set in beautiful grounds sloping down to the water’s edge; it is fully accessible for wheelchairs and there is a festive atmosphere.

Facilities

The Refresh Wing at Netley is specially equipped to cater for heavily dependent people and those who need breathing machines. There is a complement of highly qualified nursing staff, a full range of equipment and an automatic start diesel mains generator in case of power failure, so guests can relax without worrying about whether their special needs will be met.

The wing has four suites (two of which are used exclusively by Refresh guests) with electric ceiling hoists running from bed to bath, toilet and shower. The Refresh suites have a Steeper system incorporating emergency and routine call systems, TV, radio and CD player control, telephone and door-opening facilities. All the suites have French doors opening onto the south west-facing patio, overlooking the garden sloping down to the shore of Southampton Water with its ships and boats.

The centre has a spacious communal area and patio, a licensed bar and a dining room. All meals are served in the dining room but can also be provided in the guest's room by request. There is always a vegetarian alternative and diabetic and other diets can be provided if notified in advance.

Netley Waterside House is a non-smoking centre. There is a restricted smoking area outside the main building and away from communal areas.

Themed weeks and activities

The Centre arranges excursions in specially adapted vehicles to places of interest, which may include:

For those wishing to travel further afield, occasional trips across the water to the Isle of Wight can be arranged.

There is evening entertainment, including parties and performances from musicians and comedians. For those wishing to sit back and enjoy a film, there is also a widescreen TV and an extensive selection of DVDs and videos.

Themed weeks include:
Country + Western, Museums + Galleries, History + Heritage, Irish week, Spring Gardens, Stately Homes, Wildlife, Seaside, Shopping, Horse Racing, Christmas partying. Other weeks include a mixture of activities.


Who may come?

Teenagers and adults of all ages are welcome. Guests may come alone, with a carer or with the family. Those who have had difficulty finding suitable accommodation because of their special disability are particularly welcome. There is no extra charge for accompanying people, meals or outings, but entrance fees to places of interest (usually at party rates) may be extra.

 

Where to find us

click the map for wider view

Netley Waterside House: Abbey Road, Netley, Southampton, SO31 5FA

Transport

If you need transport to and from Netley, this is provided free of charge by Refresh, in our own specially adapted ambulance with facilities for ventilators and wheelchairs and a supply of oxygen.

Finance

It is our policy that no Refresh guest should be denied a holiday at Netley for lack of money. In some cases it is possible to obtain funding from Primary Care Trusts or Social Services, which is a great help to us. We are willing to take care of the finances on your behalf if you would like. Any donations from you or your family are optional but would be most welcome. If you pay income tax, we would ask you to sign a Gift Aid form, which enables us to recover tax from the Inland Revenue, at no extra cost to you. This is also a great help.

To book a stay at Netley Waterside House

Telephone 020 7188 0627, Monday to Thursday, 1030-1830 (mobile 07979534267 or email: felicity.reynolds@btinternet.com), and you will be through to Felicity Reynolds who makes the Refresh bookings and can give you details of room availability. She will send out the necessary booking forms.

Talk to us

If you would like more information about Refresh, please contact the Refresh Office at St. Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH. The office is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Telephone number 020 7188 5643. Email refresh@gstt.nhs.uk. You may also wish to speak to Mr James Aitken, the Head of Care at Netley about your individual needs (02380 453686, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday).

Telephone numbers:

The centre: 023 8045 3686
Booking: 020 7188 0627
About Refresh: 020 7188 5643

REFRESH. Registered Charity No. 295874 - Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2006020 Registered Office:St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH