Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Management

East Cheshire Hospice cares for people with life-limiting illnesses. Therefore it is extremely important that we take all reasonable steps to protect the well-being of those using our services, our staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

If you are feeling unwell for any reason:

• Contact 119 who will advise you on the best way for the NHS to support you
• If you have a continuous new cough, a temperature of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher or a loss of taste/smell, then please self-isolate even if you have had no contact with a confirmed case.

East Cheshire Hospice @Home Service and Inpatient Ward remain open to new referrals and staff are working hard to maintain our high standards of care in very challenging circumstances. We are nursing all patients with the recommended Personal Protective Equipment and maintaining social distancing regulations within the unit and where possible in patient’s own homes.

Our Sunflower centre is now open again and our outpatient appointments have resumed.

Our Adult and Child family support services remain open and also supported by telehealth or video consultations.

Guidance for Visiting the Hospice

From the 19th of April:

For the patients who are admitted for Symptom Management / Assessment:

• Visiting days will be 7 days a week, Monday-Sunday between the hours of 11am-8pm
• The patient can have a maximum 2 visitors at the bed side at any one time; no pre-booking is required

For patients who are nearing the end of their life:

• Visiting will be at the discretion of the nurse in charge.

All visitors should continue to always wear surgical IIR face masks to protect their loved ones.

If you choose not to wear a mask then you must show evidence of a negative lateral flow test (LFT) prior to coming on to the IPU. If you choose this option, they must do their LFT on the morning of their first visit and then twice weekly for subsequent visits.

If the visitor is symptomatic of Covid-19 they must be advised not to visit the IPU for at least 5 days.

If your loved one is receiving end of life care and the visitor is symptomatic and/or has tested positive for Covid-19 then they may be allowed onto the IPU at the discretion of the nurse in charge but must wear full PPE.

If you are symptomatic of Covid-19 we do advise not to visit the IPU for at least 5 days.

Please note that whilst we are doing our very best to maintain a COVID-safe environment here at the Hospice, we cannot guarantee 100% safety whilst allowing visitors into the building and that you need to consider the potential risk you are taking yourself.

Please be aware visiting regulations may be subject to change at very short notice.

Thank you for your understanding during this time.

Claire Barber

IPU Ward Manager

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