Coronavirus: Guidance on Visiting the Hospice
Information last updated 25/03/2020 at 9:55am
The symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) may be more severe in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term and life-limiting illnesses.
It is important in the current and ever-changing coronavirus situation that we take all reasonable steps to protect the wellbeing of those using our services, our staff and volunteers.
Current Advice for Visiting the Hospice
Visitor access to the Hospice is restricted to protect those in our care and our workforce; only the immediate family of our In-Patients, limited to two named visitors per patient, may enter the building. We also ask anyone who is feeling unwell, particularly with a high temperature or a new continuous cough, NOT TO VISIT THE HOSPICE. Please review the latest government advice on what you should do.
We appreciate that this a very difficult situation and we are doing our best to minimise disruption. We do, however, need to take these steps to safeguard our patients and workforce. Please contact our Nurse in Charge for guidance on 0113 218 5500 (24 hours a day).
Changes to Services
St Gemma’s care is continuing as fully as possible in these unprecedented circumstances. The current status of our services is as follows:
- The In-Patient Unit remains open. However, please note that we are now restricting visitor access to the Hospice site. This means that only our In-Patients’ immediate family, limited to two named visitors per patient, will be permitted into the building.
- The St Gemma’s community team continues to operate and will continue to see patients in the community, as and when appropriate.
- Our usual Day Services, including drop-in sessions, out-patient appointments and clinics are suspended until further notice. This also includes therapy services, bereavement support and counselling. However, the team will be in touch with all current service users to discuss individual situations and alternative support or advice during this time. For specific queries about Day Services please contact 0113 218 5294 during usual office hours.
- Activity within our Academic Unit is also suspended until further notice*. If you have a booking, or are due to attend an event, conference or training, you will be contacted shortly. *Training for medical students and nurses on placement continues as normal. For any queries about our Academic Unit activity, please contact 0113 218 5500 during usual office hours.
- The Hospice Bistro is currently closed to the public, including patients’ visitors. Visitors will be able to order food from the wards.
- Our chain of charity shops and reception gift shop are temporarily closed until further notice.
We understand that these changes may cause significant upset and inconvenience. Please be assured that we haven’t taken these decisions lightly and are prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our patients, service users and our workforce.
For specific queries about a current patient, carer or family member and have concerns about your personal situation, please contact us on 0113 218 5500.
Thank you for your support during this challenging time.
While Visiting the Hospice
Visitors are asked to use the hand sanitiser gel at reception and wash your hands regularly.
Please keep your distance from other visitors and staff not involved in the care of your loved one where possible.
You can help to stop the spread of any germs by:
- catching your cough or sneeze in a tissue – bin used tissues straight away
- washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing (use a sanitiser gel, if soap and water are unavailable)
- avoiding close contact with people who are unwell
- not touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
For the latest information and guidance on the coronavirus you can visit:
Thank you for your understanding.
