July 2020
Thank you to all those people who support us in so many different ways, it helps the hospice to continue in providing personalised care for those at the end of life. Head of Clinical Services; Louise Sinclair gave an update on the hospice provision saying we are now experiencing lifting of restrictions and some of the services are changing and adapting in line with this.
Our in-patient unit has had restricted visiting since the beginning of the pandemic, and I am pleased to announce we are starting a cautious return to some routine visiting. There are visiting slots to help keep the process safe for everyone. We are asking visitors to ring in advance to book a visiting session. Visitors will be asked to wear a face covering during their visit in line with guidance and to maintain social distancing.
Despite us being unable to invite day patients to the hospice since pre lockdown we have been creative in finding ways to support people’s wellbeing. This service has developed from telephone support to the use of virtual sessions, recorded information to share, and doorstep drops of activity packs and cake.
Our bereavement support service will continue to be provided over the phone and this is available to the loved ones of those people we have cared for.
For those wishing to receive care in their own homes our Hospice at Home team are reintroducing some extended visits to complement the essential visits that have taken place throughout the pandemic. It is particularly important to us to help support carers who have had an absence of their usual support whether this be through extended family, community and church groups or friends and neighbours. The extended visits can help offer the carer time to rest or go out for a while and is provided in the day and at night to help keep patients where they preferred to be cared for.
We offer a heartfelt thankyou to the people who use the services and who had the courage and confidence in us to let us continue to care during the pandemic. To the team here for their dedication and to our supporters who make this all possible.
Despite the difficulties and challenges we are reaching those who need us through providing in-patient care and hospice at home for patients needing symptom control, extra care during the palliative phase, carer support and end of life care.
We are reaching out to those who usually attend day therapy to support them on the phone with advice and a friendly chat about how they are coping.
Fundraising and marketing manager Cathy Lowe said it costs more than £1m to run its services and Beaumond House needs to raise £640,000 this year from the local community.
Please contact the Hospice on 01636 610556, email us at info@beaumondhouse.co.uk
May 2020
Thank you to all those people who support us in so many different ways, it helps the hospice to continue in the provision of such personal care for those at the end of life. Head of Clinical Services; Louise Sinclair gave an update on the hospice provision saying we are now many weeks into the pandemic and we have adapted our care to continue to meet the needs of the local population with palliative care needs.
This photograph (with thanks to Little Posy Photography) depicts the social distancing that the staff team are practicing. It is impossible during times of direct care to avoid being 2m away from patients and colleagues. Wearing the personal protective equipment enables the staff to provide the care safely. Communication is affected as people cannot see your mouth because of the mask and we try to convey a smile with our eyes, body language and through the words we use. Wearing gloves becomes a necessary barrier but touch, so important to convey trust, encouragement and reassurance through the gloves is not quite the same.
Despite the difficulties and challenges we are reaching those who need us through providing in-patient care and hospice at home for patients needing symptom control, extra care during the palliative phase, carer support and end of life care.
We are reaching out to those who usually attend day therapy to support them on the phone with advice and a friendly chat about how they are coping.
Coping with bereavement and grief is difficult during this time when access to help and support is reduced. People who are experiencing loss at this time may feel particularly isolated and alone, not being able to see and hug loved ones or have the funeral they may have wanted. The hospice offers support for those affected by a death of a loved whose care we have been involved in.
We have been overwhelmed by the acts of kindness that the public have shown to patients and staff and staff have shown to each other. We had Easter eggs donated for patients, donations of masks and hand sanitiser. People have made laundry bags for the staff to take their uniform home in, and many cakes have been baked and shared.
It is through challenging times that kindness shown to each other becomes very touching and can help us all get through some of the most difficult days.
Fundraising and marketing manager Cathy Lowe said it costs more than £1m to run its services and Beaumond House needs to raise £640,000 this year from the local community.
The fundraising team are aware that most supporters are having to change plans and cancel planned events. She said that Beaumond House had already seen a huge fall in the footfall to its three shops which generate vital regular income. Because keeping the hospice open at this time is imperative, we need the support of the whole community even more than usual.
Cathy said “The fundraising team are planning creative and innovative ways to encourage everyone to support it in other ways in this challenging environment. These include virtual events and donations in lieu of activities helping us to fill the gap in everyone’s lives. More information will be available through our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds as well on our website.
Louise went on to say; “The service we provide is vital to the local people and their families and we are so grateful to anyone who is able to remember Beaumond House at a time when everyone has so many other priorities.”
“Now more than ever before we need the help and support of our community so we can continue to provide the vital care to our patients and support their friends and relatives. Thank you to everyone who helps make this happen and for your continued generosity. ” said Cathy.
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do
Please contact the Hospice on 01636 610556, email us at info@beaumondhouse.co.uk