Saint Francis Hospice's response to COVID-19 second lockdown
Following the second lockdown, which came into effect on Thursday 5th November, we will be keeping you updated on how we are responding to the needs of our patients, families and how you can help local people during this time.
As always, we will continue to follow current Public Health England (PHE) and NHS guidelines and take measures as necessary to protect the best interests of our patients, families, supporters, volunteers and staff.
Our Services
Ward
This service continues as usual. We are still accepting referrals for palliative care and in-patient treatment.
Making a Referral
We are currently completing telephone assessments as visiting face to face is reduced and only for people in crisis. Please speak to your GP or any healthcare professional if you would like to make a referral. Find out more about our referral process here
Pemberton Place (Day Services)
Currently there are minimal clinics and we are unable to hold the social therapy groups. However, we are holding conference calls to keep everyone supported.
Hospice at Home
The hospice is continuing to offer care to people in the last 2-3 weeks of life. We are continuing to offer a 9am - 9pm service with support overnight from Maria Curie where available. We continue to focus our visits on end of life support and comfort care of our patients and their families. If you need to speak to a member of the Hospice at Home team please call 01708 758603.
Community team and Specialist Advice Line
The hospice is continuing to offer its community service via the Specialist Advice Line which is available to advise health professionals, patients and family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means, if you are in a crisis, you can call our Specialist Advice Line on 01708 758643 to speak to a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Therapies
Occupational Therapists are able to hold virtual breath-taking and fatigue groups, and supply urgent equipment where necessary.
Physiotherapists are supporting our patients in the ward and some outpatient clinics. Exercise videos are also available on our website. Complementary Therapists are supporting patients in the ward with reflexology and aromatherapy blends. They are also providing distance Reiki for people at home.
Family Support Team
We are still offering bereavement support and social services over the telephone for those in the community and over video and telephone for children services. The Family Support Services team are also seeing and supporting patients on the ward as well as their families. If you would like to find out more or need to talk, please call 01708 753319 and ask for a member of the Family Support Services team or email familysupportservices@sfh.org.uk.
OrangeLine
Our helpline for lonely and isolated people continues in the same way for anyone in the community. Please use the direct line number 01708 758649 to make a referral.
Visiting the Hospice
If you are planning on visiting someone at the hospice, please watch this safety video first. Visiting hours are 10am - 8pm and only one visitor per patient is permitted each day. Visitors may stay for as long as they like during the permitted hours. If you are going to be visiting for a long period of time, please bring your own food and drink provisions, although tea and coffee will be available.
Please do not visit if you are:
- unwell, especially if you have a high temperature, a new, persistent cough or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
- vulnerable as a result of your medication, a chronic illness or if you are over 70 years of age.
We understand that if you will want to be in touch with your loved one, even if you are unwell. Please call us on 01708 753319 so we can arrange a way to make this happen.
Retail
Unfortunately our shops had to close at 3pm on Wednesday, 4th November due to COVID-19 government restrictions. Please do not leave any donations outside the shops as they will sadly go to waste and cost the hospice money to remove. All our donation stations are now closed.
Please continue to support local people that need our care during lockdown by shopping with Saint Francis Hospice on our ebay site.
Fundraising
The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on our funding with fundraising events and activities having to be cancelled and our retail shops having to close. Please support us if you can. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Alternatively, these are some of the ways you can help raise funds so local people can receive hospice care when they need it.
- Buy a Raffle ticket or Play our Lottery
- Host a virtual Cuppa for Care
- Sign up to online shopping platforms so you can donate while you shop
- Ask your employer to take in part Corporate Partnerships Fundraising
- Or maybe you have a fundraising idea of your own? Let us know!
Find out more about how you can support us here.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support, patience and understanding. These are tough times, but we are stronger together.
