Some key measures remain in place so that we can continue to protect vulnerable patients, visitors, staff and people in our community from coronavirus (COVID 19). The Hospice building and on-site cafe are not open as usual and some of the services that we offer are reduced. Full details of these changes can be found below.
Our aim is to continue to provide compassionate wellbeing, pain management and end of life care to those who need us, and continue to support people with life-limiting illnesses and families who are bereaved.
Visiting The In-Patient Unit
We continue to do all we can to minimise the risk of coronavirus to our patients, staff and volunteers. A robust testing system remains in place for all staff, volunteers and visitors. Our care teams continue to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), the number of non-clinical staff on site has been reduced and those at the Hospice site will wear masks and continue to social distance where possible.
Our current visiting arrangements are under regular review. For the most up to date information please call before coming to the Hospice as some restrictions on the number of visitors remain in place. Telephone: 0191 386 1170 option 1. This line is available 24 hrs a day.
Visitors are no longer required to complete a lateral flow test before visiting. However, you must wear an IIR mask, provided by the Hospice, and wash your hands at the handwashing sink upon entering a patient’s bedroom and again before leaving.
We have produced a booklet ‘How to stay connected when you can’t visit a loved one’ to help support you to feel close when apart or unable to visit.
If you have any concerns around coronavirus relating to infection control or visiting arrangements for the In-Patient Unit, we are happy to speak to you regarding this.
Day Services Update
The Living Well Centre is now welcoming back guests. Guest and visitors are no longer required to complete a lateral flow test before attending appointments at the Living Well Centre. However, guests and visitors must wear an IIR mask when moving around the Hospice building. Please contact the Living Well Centre on 0191 386 1170 option 2 if you need to speak with someone in the team relating to this.
Our Dementia and Namaste Care Team continue to provide support to all who need us at this time. Please contact the switchboard on 0191 386 1170 if you need to speak with the team. The national Admiral Nurse (Dementia) helpline can be contacted on 0800 888 6678.
Bereavement Support services are by appointment only. Guests and visitors are no longer required to complete a lateral flow test before attending appointments. However, guests and visitors must wear an IIR mask when moving around the Hospice building. Please contact the Bereavement Support Team on 0191 386 1170 if you need to speak with the team.
To further protect our patients and vulnerable visitors our Hospice café remains CLOSED to the public until further notice.
Charity Shops Update
Masks are provided for all staff and volunteers should they choose to wear them and hand sanitiser is available in all shops for customer use. All staff and volunteers are asked to carry out a lateral flow test if they show symptoms of coronavirus or stay at home if they feel unwell.
Please check the Retail web pages for information on opening times and donation times as some stores continue to limit donations to certain times.
Our Fundraising Events Update
Please check our Events Pages for the latest information, or to find out more about our ‘help at home‘ and virtual fundraising activities. If you need to contact the team relating to an event please call 0191 386 1170 option 5 or email fundraising@stcuthbertshospice.com
Frequently asked questions
Can I still visit St Cuthbert’s Hospice building or gardens?
Hospice Reception and our cafe are currently closed to the public. Should you need to arrange a visit please contact us on 0191 386 1170 to discuss this or email us at hello@stcuthbertshospice.com and we will gladly arrange a suitable time for you to visit.
We understand the importance of remembering loved ones and our In Memory Garden is open for anyone who would like to visit for a moment of reflection. Our Greenhouse can be visited Tuesdays and Fridays 11-2pm.
Can I make a donation to the Hospice?
We are incredibly grateful to anyone who may like to make a donation to the Hospice at this time. Below are some options for how to do this:
- You can donate online. Please include a short note on the form to let us know the reason for your kind donation.
- Send a cheque in the post including a short note to say who you are and the reason for the donation. Cheques should be made out to ‘St Cuthbert’s Hospice’. Please do not send cash in the post.
- Telephone the Hospice to pay via credit / debit card. Please call us Monday-Friday 9am-5pm on 0191 374 6166.
- To arrange a visit to hand in money or sponsor forms please call 0191 386 1170 option 5 or email fundraising@stcuthbertshospice.com
Last Updated: 08/08/2022 09:15am