This week, the Government confirmed their plans to move to the final stage of easing COVID restrictions on 19th July. While this means that most legal restrictions on social contact will be removed, we are asking for our community’s understanding as we keep visitor restrictions and infection prevention measures in place. It is imperative that we act in the best interests of our patients, who are classed as clinically vulnerable.
Up until now, our infection prevention measures have worked well in preventing the spread of the virus among hospice staff, volunteers, patients, families and supporters. Therefore, we want these to continue for the present time.
As a hospice caring for patients with complex and specialist needs, we will continue with the following measures in both our Lincoln Inpatient Unit and Grantham Hospice in the Hospital:
- One named visitor per patient per day.
- Staff and volunteers will continue to wear face masks and undertake regular Covid-19 testing.
- Visitors will be asked to provide a negative lateral flow test on the day or undertake a temperature check prior to the visit and use a face mask during their visit.
In addition, as some of our bases re-open around the county all staff, and volunteers will continue to wear face masks when inside and undertake regular lateral flow tests. We will request that all visitors do the same.
Staff and volunteers will also continue to wear face coverings in our 25 charity shops across the county and will be encouraging customers to do the same to help protect the wider community. Screens and social distancing will still be in use and we have taken the decision to keep changing rooms closed for the time being.
Chris Wheway, Chief Executive at St Barnabas Hospice said, “Although it is fantastic to see light at the end of the tunnel, cases of coronavirus are rising both locally and nationally, so we must not let our guard down.
“We have a duty of care to our patients, staff, volunteers, supporters, customers and local community; therefore, we will continue to do everything in our power to keep people safe. I would like to thank everyone for their incredible support this past year and for being understanding as we find a safe and practical way forward.”