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 changes nationally regarding the current Pandemic situation, we are amending the visiting arrangements within the Inpatient Unit. We will continue to encourage the use of technology to support “virtual visits”. We will enable restricted visiting but, we must continue to keep the infection risk to patients, staff and visitors as low as possible.

By prior arrangement with the clinical team, all patients can have one visitor each day (alternative, individualised visits will be arranged for those patients receiving end of life care or with specific other needs, clinical staff will advise accordingly).

Visiting is restricted to a one-and-a-half-hour time frame and will be one of the following times: 11.30am – 1pm or 3.30 – 5pm. These times can be booked, on the day, by ringing the unit on 01522 785 782 to speak with the Ward Clerk or alternatively, by calling the main number 01522 511566.

Visitors will have to wear a mask, apron and gloves (PPE) and nursing staff will talk this through prior to any visit. Prior to donning PPE, social distancing must be adhered to at all times.

If any visitor has symptoms of Coronavirus (high temperature, new continuous cough or loss of sense of taste or smell) they must not come to the unit. Likewise, if any household contacts have symptoms, the visit should not go ahead.

Visitors must also consider whether someone in their home, who may be in a high-risk vulnerable group, may be at risk if others from the household visit.

These updated visiting arrangements should continue to support the individualised care provided for our patients and families. We will continue to give updates by phone to family members with the appropriate consents.

If there are any exceptional circumstances, please discuss with the clinical staff who can advise you appropriately.

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

Staff and volunteers will 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.

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.