Whilst the rates of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) are falling, Mary Stevens Hospice will continue to care for people with life-limiting illnesses so it is important that we take all reasonable steps to protect the well-being of those using our services, as well as those working and volunteering at the hospice.
We expect that everyone who comes into the Hospice follows the NHS general infection prevention advice, which is:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
We ask that all patients, relatives, friends, staff, volunteers and contractors consider whether they could be a potential carrier of the coronavirus before visiting Mary Stevens Hospice or any of our retail outlets. You should consult the latest information and guidance on the Government and NHS websites linked below:
Please check this guidance before visiting us and note that the guidance is subject to change and should be regularly reviewed. If you have any concerns about your potential exposure to COVID-19 or are displaying any symptoms, please do not come to the Hospice; but instead check current NHS guidelines.
Updated visitor guidance: 16/05/2022
We will no longer require patients to nominate a set number of visitors but there should only be two visitors at any one time.
From 17/05/2022 the majority of visitors to the hospice will no longer be required to complete a lateral flow test before being allowed in to visit. However if a visitor is providing hands on care to their loved one they should continue to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test before visiting. Anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 should refrain from visiting the hospice .
Testing is still available for any visitor that has any concerns and wishes to have a test completed prior to visiting.
Please be advised that the wearing of masks in corridors and public areas is still required.
Many thanks for your cooperation.
If you have any concerns around visiting please do not hesitate to speak with the nursing team.
From 07/02/2022 visiting hours for the In-Patient Unit will be extended and be from 11:30 – 20:00 daily.
If the patient is staying for end-of-life care, there will be a discussion about compassionate visiting which will be documented on the care plan so that everybody caring for the patient knows who the visitors will be.
We have secured tablet devices to ensure each patient can communicate remotely with their loved ones and also have an e-mail address that family members can use to send messages to their loved ones, the e-mail address is LovedOnes@marystevenshospice.co.uk
Our aim is to maintain all our services and activities at an optimal level; to ensure that we can support those patients and families who need us. We will keep the situation under constant review as we recognise the needs of everyone and will let confirm when the situation changes.
Thank you for adhering to this guidance by doing so you are helping us to safeguard the Hospice.
Claire Towns
CEO
Mary Stevens Hospice Risk Assessment
The Risk Assessment for Mary Stevens Hospice, in accordance with the Five Steps to Safer Working Together, can be found by clicking the document below:
Day Services Unit:
Our Day Services Unit is continuing to support patients virtually and is also open for limited face to face contact. New referrals to our Day Services Unit are still accepted.
For more information, please contact our Day Services Unit on 01384 443010, or by emailing info@marystevenshospice.co.uk.