St Nicholas Hospital provides a safe, independent living to those in need within a Christian framework under the management of the resident Master, an ordained priest of the Church of England. The Hospital is a registered charity No. 214916 (Charity Commission). There are seven Trustees of which the Master is one.

Applications for Admittance

There are 24 self-contained mostly single-bedroom apartments set in small blocks. Enquiries about joining the Community should be made in the first instance to the Master. Members of the Community are expected to attend a daily Chapel service as a condition of residence. The service is either a Eucharist or a simple version of Morning Prayer (Common Worship).

The criteria and procedure for consideration for entry is as follows:-

• Over the age of 60 years;
• Christian and confirmed communicants of the Church of England or willing to worship according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England;
• Of limited means defined as:
  - in the case of a single applicant, having capital not exceeding £150,000, and having total annual income not exceeding £30,000; and
  - in the case of joint applicants, having capital not exceeding £225,000, and having total annual income not exceeding £45,000;
  - the income figures in both cases to exclude non-means tested benefits;
• Of sound health and not requiring regular domiciliary or nursing care;
• Able to manage daily life skills such as personal hygiene, care of their accommodation and preparation of their own meals;
• Prepared to attend St Nicholas's Chapel daily;
• Willing and able to participate in community life;
• Able to provide two character references;
• Willing to grant Power of Attorney prior to admission.

Our acceptance process begins with an informal meeting with the Master, upon which, given mutual satisfaction, we invite an application for admission. References are taken up and a formal interview is conducted by the Master and two other Trustees. Following this, if it seems right to proceed, we arrange for an extended visit to the Hospital to experience something of our life together. The application, if then confirmed, is placed on file. When a vacancy occurs, all applications are reviewed and the offer of a property is made according to need, the suitability of the accommodation available, and the interests of the Community.

There are vacancies from time to time so enquiries from prospective applicants are always welcome.