Home Care & Hospice

The Gatehouse (Inpatient Hospice)

The Gatehouse is a seven-bed short term in-patient Hospice unit for the management of pain and other symptoms relating to a life threatening illness. In addition, patients who are struggling with discomfort may come to the unit for treatment, then return home or other living arrangements.

By providing a peaceful, home-like environment, The Gatehouse makes a difficult time easier for both the patient and his or her loved ones. Families can spend quality time with patients in private bedroom suites, a comfortable family room, a kitchen and a meditation room - all while patients receive around-the-clock, skilled nursing care to manage their difficult symptoms.

Most insurances cover short-term in-patient care for symptom management. If no insurance is available, other payment options can be explored.

Admissions Criteria

Pain and Symptom Management
The patient must require skilled medical or nursing care to manage intractable symptoms that cannot be managed safely or effectively at home, such as: pain, nausea or vomiting, respiratory distress, seizures, severe agitation or other physical or psychological symptoms. The goal is to improve symptoms and prepare the patient and the family/caregiver for the patient's return to home.

Family Crisis Management
A terminally ill patient may need skilled nursing care if the family support system is unable to properly care for the patient at home. The goal is to provide appropriate care and support to the patient and family/caregiver until the patient can return home or to an appropriate facility.

Imminently Dying
The actively dying patient is one whose death is imminent (hours to days). The goal is to provide quality end-of-life care to the patient and support to the family or caregiver. If a patient's condition improves the patient may be discharged to the home or appropriate facility.

Contact Us

The Gatehouse Inpatient Hospice Unit
Susquehanna Health Home Care & Hospice
Divine Providence Hospital
1100 Grampian Boulevard
Williamsport, PA 17701

p: (570) 320-7691 or 1-800-499-3177
Referral Fax: (570) 323-0716
Business Fax: (570) 320-7898

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturday, 8 am-12 noon 

Alexander Nesbitt, M.D., Hospice medical director, brings a great deal of compassion, training and expertise to the Hospice Program. He has been with Hospice since 2000 and is the only physician in the area who is Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Nesbitt works full-time overseeing Hospice care in patients' homes and in the inpatient Hospice unit, The Gatehouse. He has dedicated his life to providing much needed care to patients at the end of their lives.