Hospice Services Update


Inpatient Unit Re-Opening

We are delighted to announce that we will be re-opening our Inpatient Unit (IPU) after a brief closure from Monday 1st June with a new set of temporary measures in place to protect patients, visitors and staff.

Our IPU will initially open with four beds so that we can continue to follow the government’s guidelines on social distancing whilst providing high-quality care for patients.

Our patients are a very vulnerable group. In order to protect them, our staff, and volunteers, we ask that you only visit the hospice if absolutely necessary even if you do not have coronavirus symptoms.

Clinical staff should determine whether a visitor, even if asymptomatic, may themselves be a potential infection risk when entering or exiting the unit. It must be clear, documented and reviewed.

The Hospice is also mindful of its responsibilities to persons who are not employees, under The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

If you are not sure, or have any questions about your visit, please contact us on 0161 624 2727.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice will follow government guidelines when determining necessary steps. These are updated daily and will be monitored by the Medical Director/Clinical Matron at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. The guidance below is therefore subject to change, and we will post any updates on the Dr Kershaw’s website, social media platforms, and via email to staff.

If you have:

  • a high temperature or fever  and/or
  • a new continuous cough

Please stay at home and self-isolate for seven days, and do not visit the hospice.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, please visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk/     If you are concerned about your exposure to infection in any other circumstance you should contact 111 online and not visit the hospice.

 IPU Visiting Policy effective from 13th June 2020

  • Any visitor currently or recently (within 7 days prior) suffering from COVID symptoms or having tested positive for COVID in the preceding 7 days is not permitted to enter the hospice premises and must return home immediately and self-isolate in line with government guidance:
  •  
  • A maximum of 2 named visitors are allowed per patientThe ward staff will record the names of these visitors at the time of admissionNo other visitors will be allowedWhere the 2 named visitors are from different households and not from the same “COVID support bubble”, they must observe the 2-metre distancing requirement at all times when visitingThere are no fixed visiting times
  • Visitors enter and exit through the side door of the temporary IPU buildingThey don PPE on entry / exit of the Inpatient Unit and proceed straight to the patient’s room. After leaving the patient’s room they are required to exit the IPU without delay. (PPE is provided by the hospice)They are not permitted in any other parts of the hospice e.g. shared areas, reception, corridors, “visitors’ kitchen” or similarVisitors are asked to bring their own refreshmentsVisitors are permitted to visit the bathroom but are required to access these via the outside of the hospice (exit the IPU via the side door and enter the main building via reception). No exceptions are made in adverse weather conditions

Access to the inpatient unit will be via the modular build entrance – please do not enter the Hospice main entrance.

Group and drop-in activities

Due to the current lockdown,imposed by the Government, Dr Kershaw’s has temporarily suspended all group and drop-in sessions in the Wellbeing Centre at the Hospice.

Our community services remain open and we ask patients to check our website for further information and follow Government advice on COVID-19.

To support you whilst the Wellbeing Centre is closed, we are able to offer a range of activities for you to enjoy at home. Please visit the Supporting Our Community – Dr Kershaw’s Cares tab or the Fundraise at Home tab across for more details.

The COVID-19 outbreak is a fast-moving situation and we will provide regular updates on our website. If you have any questions, please contact us on 0161 624 2727.

Non-essential visits to the Hospice

Following Government guidelines we are encouraging everyone to stay home at this time. In order to protect you, our staff and volunteers, we ask that you only visit the hospice if absolutely necessary even if you do not have coronavirus symptoms. If you are not sure, or have any questions about your visit, please contact us on 0161 624 2727.

If you are concerned about your exposure to infection in any other circumstance you should contact 111 online and not visit the hospice.

Please note that whilst the term 'hospice' is used above, this guidance applies to everyone, working or volunteering for, or visiting Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, regardless of setting. We take the wellbeing of those using or working in the Hospice seriously and appreciate your support in following the guidance above.

If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Hospice on 0161 624 2727 and ask to speak to a member of the Senior Management Team.

12th June 2020