How hospice adapted to effects of pandemic

The art was supposed to be part of a big new summer remembrance picnic — before the pandemic put paid to events and major fundraisers.

The effects of Covid-19 have been felt throughout the hospice, with children’s bereavement support group Sunbeams unable to hold its regular activity sessions.

Group lead Cath Todd said: “Everything was suspended to start with. We phoned all the children and they were all aware that we were here if they needed to contact us.

“We’re now looking at trying to get back to some family support, maybe going out and delivering things for them to do, and catching up on the phone or the front doorstep.

“Because what we do in the chalet is always activity-based, they open up without realising. You can tease out bits of concerns and work with them on those.

“Now they are back at school, they will be worrying about if they get something and take it home. They are more protective anyway if they’ve lost a parent about losing the other one.

“You can give them things to do at home, but you don’t want to cause too much stress at home and it’s then the carer that has to pick up the pieces.”

Cath was among the hospice staff redeployed as roles changed at the height of the pandemic, spending several months back on the inpatient wards.

“It was fine,” she said. “I’ve nursed all my life. Patient care doesn’t change but there were other differences.

“When someone has died, your first instinct is to go to the relative and give them a hug. You can’t do that at the moment and it just feels so alien.”

Only one visitor was allowed per inpatient so iPads were provided for them to keep in touch with other loved ones from the Broom Road building, which celebrates 25 years in 2021.

Supporters provided pairs of crocheted hearts — one for the inpatient and the other for a partner or other special person to keep with them.

The idea has since been picked up by other hospices thanks to a group of ten increasing contact and sharing good practice through these Covid-19 times.

“We couldn’t believe how quickly it all happened at first,” said Diane Keeley, head of patient and family support.

“We had to quickly do risk assessments on all patients and those receiving bereavement support and counselling. People have been so understanding.”

The hospice’s eBay website was dusted off — having not been used for two years — as the charity shops had to close.

Online selling will continue to be a focus now, even though the stores have reopened and are in need of new volunteers.

Jamie Smith, marketing and communications officer, said: “From a fundraising point of view, it’s difficult when you get different guidance every two weeks and have to continually adapt.”

Glow with the Flow — formerly the midnight walk — was scaled down from a mass event to encouraging people to hold smaller gatherings at home during October.

That has had to be adjusted again in light of the new “rule of six” lockdown measure, while Light Up A Life and Santa Dash are set to be online or scaled-down versions of their usual selves.

The full impact of the pandemic is expected to take a long time to become clear. Delayed diagnoses during the past six months are expected to bring more patients with a shorter time left to live.

Diane paid tribute to the Hospice at Home community team, which has continued to visit patients throughout the year.

“They have done a fantastic job and really stepped up to the mark,” she said. “They have also provided cover at care homes too.

“For example, care home staff might not have been used to dealing with deaths quite as much and they have been really grateful for that support.”