1 June 2020. St Peter & St James Hospice is not open for visitors, despite the easing of lock-down arrangements by the government. This is to protect the people we are caring for and our staff. In exceptional circumstances visits may be permitted. The Ward Manager will contact you to make arrangements if a visit is planned. Thank you for your support and understanding.
We are caring for some people who may have or have had Covid-19 and so far we have been doing that without the virus being transmitted to others. We want to keep up this excellent track record and continue to provide vital services to your family member or friend.
We understand how important it is to have contact with your family member or friend and will do our best to keep you in touch. You can contact us at any time to check-in and ask for an update by calling the hospice number: 01444 471598 and selecting option 1 from the main menu.
Talk to us about arrangements for visiting, but please be aware visiting will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances at this time. Where possible we are encouraging people to use technology like Google Meet/Hangouts, Facetime and WhatsApp to be able to talk and see each other at any time of the day or night. We have plenty of tablets and laptops.
If your family member or friend is near the end of their life, a member of the family will be invited to come in and stay at the hospice so you can be together and we can support you here. Staying here reduces the risk of spreading any infection.
You may see others seemingly having more visits than you might expect. Each person’s situation is different and we take into account not only any deterioration in physical health but also a person’s mental health needs and their wellbeing. Being isolated from family and friends at this time is a significant strain for people who are poorly or maybe dying as well as on those who are waiting at home.
If you are offered the opportunity to visit we will be clear with you about any restrictions that need to be in place to keep you and others safe. You will be asked screening questions about your own health; be required to follow hand hygiene routines and social distancing, and at times you may be asked to wear protective equipment, which we will provide.
If you have any questions, please talk to us. You can contact the ward manager by calling the hospice number: 01444 471598 and selecting option 1 from the main menu.
Thank you for your support and understanding at this time.
