Advice for visiting the hospice

Updated 26 May 2022

The priority during the COVID-19 pandemic is to protect our patients, their families and our staff.

We recognise this is a very challenging time for you and your loved one and we will consider carefully exceptional circumstances while remaining vigilant.

We are still open and continue to follow some restrictions to visiting to ensure patients and our team are protected.

Under the guidance of local public health teams, there are some restrictions still in place:

Visiting appointments must be booked. Please read the below information on how to do this.
There are no limits to how many visitors a patient can have throughout the day, but will remain at 2 per visit maximum for indoors.
For outdoor visits in the garden, a patient can have up to 5 visitors at one time.
Visits can occur after the patient has tested negative for COVID-19 on day one of their admission.
It is not mandatory for visitors to complete lateral flow tests before attending, but we encourage you to do so.

Whilst visiting, you are required to follow the provided instructions and wear the PPE provided. The below will be explained to you when you visit the hospice.

These safety precautions have been implemented to keep all of our patients, staff and visitors as safe as possible.

We need to advise you that by entering a clinical area you are at higher risk of environmental exposure to COVID-19 infection and that you also present a risk of bringing infection to our patients who are some of the most vulnerable in our population.

Booking appointments

All visitors are required to book their visits.

Our reception will be able to take phone bookings for appointments between the hours of 09.00-20.00 on 01473 727776 or you can make a prior booking while on IPU for the next day.

Our visiting sessions are:

09.30-11.30
13.30-16.30
17.30-19.30

Daily by appointment for one hour.

Visiting rules

Each visitor can usually stay for a maximum of one hour per visit.
When visiting, please access the building via the main reception by ringing the bell.
Visitors will be asked screening questions by our reception team regarding infection risk and recent travel/localised lockdowns when admitted to reception.
All visitors will be required to wear a surgical face mask.
Visitors can order food and drinks at the canteen by either using the tablet to pre-order or order during the lunch period of 12pm-2pm. There is also access to the hot drinks machine in the dining area too.
Unfortunately, our dining room remains closed to visitors, however, you will have access to the Family Lounge, Reflections, IPU conservatory, the garden and the patient bedside. We recommend keeping distance if you haven't got a mask on whilst at the patient's bedside.
Toilet facilities can be advised by nursing staff if required.
Children under 12 will be allowed to visit if booked and agreed prior with the nurse in charge, and only in exceptional circumstances. They will need to be accompanied at all times.
We do not currently have overnight accommodation nor showering facilities for visitors.

Last days of life visits

If the medical or nursing team feel your loved one may be in the final days of their life or they are experiencing a significant clinical deterioration, we aim to be able to provide a more flexible approach.
In these circumstances, please discuss your needs with the nurse or doctor in charge. This may including staying with your loved one overnight. These visits are not restricted to the sessions detailed above but it helps the team know when you are coming and your visiting plans. Please can we remind you to remain at your loved one’s bedside while on the ward.

Virtual visits

We can also arrange virtual visits if this is your preference, please call on 01473 727776, and messages can be left for your loved one with the ward reception.

PPE requirements for visitors who tested positive, are suspected of having COVID or are quarantining/self isolating following travel

Instructions for visitors who have tested COVID-19 positive, are suspected of having COVID or are quarantining/self-isolating due to travel

Visits in these circumstances are only permitted for patients who are considered to be nearing the end of life, and to be agreed prior with nurse/consultant in charge.

Whilst visiting you are required to follow the below instructions and wear the PPE provided.

All visits are appointment only by booking with our ward reception 01473 707000, This line will be answered between 09:00hrs – 16:00hrs.
You are required to enter the hospice via the evening entrance which is signposted. Please do not enter the building from any other entrance.
Please use the intercom to advise of your arrival so that someone can meet you at the designated entrance. Please wait in the designated area which is taped on the ground.
You will be greeted and brought into a room where you will be advised of the below process.
Please clean your hands with soap and water at the sink provided.
Please don (put on) PPE following the guide which will be given to you when visiting - apron first, then surgical mask, then gloves
Please knock on the door to advise the staff member you are ready, they will then;
Guide you to the IPU and your loved one’s bedside. You must remain at the beside for the duration of your visit. This is limited to 1 hour.
When leaving the patient’s room, you will be escorted back to the safe room once there, please doff (take off) your PPE following the guide given to you - gloves first, wash your hands, remove apron, remove your mask and wash your hands.
It is advisable to wash your clothes after visiting at 60 degrees if possible.