Coronavirus
Here at St Barnabas Hospice we are paying close attention to advice on Covid-19 from the Government and Public Health and will take measures to protect the best interests of everyone in our care. Our patients and their families remain at the heart of what we do, and we will ensure that our Hospice care will continue in the safest way, which means changes to our current visiting guidelines, staff, volunteering and fundraising events.
Our Patients, Families and Carers
Be assured that we are still here, caring in the community. Our clinical team are as dedicated as ever to provide palliative care throughout this unsettling time and we do not want you to hesitate in contacting us for support. Our Hospice in the Hospital, Inpatient Unit and Hospice at Home teams are all working to care for people around the county and will continue to do so, whether this be home visits, telephone support or inpatient care in Lincoln.
Visiting Guidelines for the Lincoln Inpatient Unit
Due to changing Coronavirus guidance, the Inpatient Unit (IPU) has unfortunately had to revise its visiting arrangements.
For those patients admitted for symptom management or rehabilitative/social reasons, virtual visits are encouraged via Facetime, Zoom or other IT platforms. However, if absolutely required (reasons can be discussed with the IPU staff), there is capacity for patients to have one visitor per day. Please be aware that this will be between 3.30 and 5pm hours. This visit will need to be discussed and pre-booked on the day with ward staff.
All visitors will be required to undergo a Lateral Flow Test for Covid-19 before being allowed access to the ward. This involves a nose swab and the test result becomes available in 30 minutes. During this time the visitor will need to wait away from the ward area. In the event the test is positive, you will not be able to continue with the planned visit and will be advised to self-isolate and book a swab test through either 119 or the Gov.uk website.
For patients receiving end on life care on the unit, visiting outside of this single visit can be supported and the necessary risks assessments will be discussed with you.
Our aim at this time is to continue to support our patients and families in the best way possible whilst maintaining excellent infection prevention standards. Ward staff will, of course, keep families and loved ones up to date with any changes and our telephone lines remain open 24 hours a day.
Our Virtual Support
The Hospice have adapted the care we offer to make sure our patients, their families and carers are still supported throughout these difficult times.
Palliative Care Co-ordination Centre
Our PCCC referral lines remain open, so do not hesitate to contact us on 0300 020 0694
St Barnabas Bereavement Helpline
Our Wellbeing Team have launched a brand – new helpline to offer advice and comfort to those grieving in isolation. Call 0300 303 1897. Please note this is not for Health Care Professionals to refer to.
Counselling and Emotional Support Services
We are still supporting people with both pre bereavement and post bereavement counselling and emotional support. You can self refer and health professionals (with a persons consent) can make referrals by calling our temporary referral number 01522 518246.
Welfare Helpline
Alongside standard advice and guidance, the Welfare team will be able to update you with Government changes to claim waiting times and changes specifically for patients, and carers who have been Furloughed because of the Coronavirus outbreak. Please note; this helpline is operating on reduced hours which are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 14.00pm and 09.00 am to 12.00 midday Fridays. Call 01476 513 544
Healthcare Professionals can download referral forms directly from our website.
Admiral Nursing
Our Dementia Care nurses are working remotely, offering video and phone call support. Admiral Nurses work together with families to provide the one to one support, expert guidance and practical solutions they need to live more positively with dementia each and every day.
Raising money for the Hospice
Fundraising
Following guidance from Public Health England but also taking additional measures to protect the health and wellbeing of patients and families. It is with great sadness we have had to make the decision to cancel or postpone all fundraising events for the Hospice until further notice. If you have your own fundraising activity or have signed up to an events please contact our Fundraising Team via email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk and we will be pleased to offer support as best we can.
We have a variety of virtual fundraising offerings at present. Please browse the ‘Get Involved’ tab at the top of this page for more information.
Shops
Our Donation Drive-Thru at Cardinal Close, Lincoln is now closed until further notice and we are no longer accepting donations in our shops.
All charity shops are now closed for the period of lockdown, which is currently expected to end on Wednesday 2nd December.
Our furniture collection and house clearance service is closed until further notice.
Lottery
Our Lottery team will continue to run the draw each week, as normal. If you would like to find out more about the St Barnabas Lottery click here.