Latest developments from St Catherine’s Hospice in light of the Coronavirus pandemic

We have been working hard at St Catherine’s to face the many challenges brought about by the COVID-19 crisis.

St Catherine’s Hospice can confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19 and have implemented a number of safety measures for the hospice, shops and The Mill cafe. Please, click here to read St Catherine’s ‘Staying safe statement’ document.

Each day we are keeping around 250 patients out of hospital by supporting people in their own homes, care homes and in the hospice. When asked, we are caring for patients who are Covid-19 positive.

Financially it is very difficult but we are doing all that we can to draw down government funding and to income generate by virtual means.

Here are some of our latest updates:

– We have added six extra beds to our inpatient unit to relieve pressure on the NHS

– We are accommodating visiting for patients although restrictions are still in place; safety measures have been introduced for the protection of patients, visitors and staff

– Some nurses have returned from retirement, some staff have been re-trained to help cover critical areas of our work and others have accepted furlough to help us save vital funds

– We are providing much more care via video and telephone but we are still visiting people at home where it is essential, and operating clinics. Our support team and volunteers are providing bereavement counselling and the befriending service via phone and video calls

– Fundraising losses are over £1m because we cannot run events, open our 19 shops, operate The Mill café or make door-to-door lottery collections (people can still join or play our weekly lottery via Direct Debit here)

– We have launched a new version of our sponsored Moonlight and Memories Walk, encouraging supporters to take on our four or 10-mile challenge near their house in their own time throughout June

– Anyone who makes a Yellow Ribbon Dedication will receive a ribbon in the post to personalise and display at home or in their garden

– The Mill is offering contactless Click and Collect Afternoon Tea, breakfasts, and desserts

– We are opening our charity shops on a phased basis beginning with Leyland and Chorley. You can also follow our Superstore page on Facebook for latest updates about donating to our shops, and to buy furniture items from our stores over the phone

– We are looking at upscaling online trading, such as through eBay

– Wellbeing calls are being made and a food delivery service is being offered to our valued volunteers, and those who usually attend our monthly bereavement and carers’ sessions

– Our innovative Specialist Palliative Care Advice Line has been enhanced, allowing healthcare professionals to speak with our medical team 24 hours a day

– We’re embracing technology and offering video training from our Learning Zone at the hospice, to share our knowledge and skills with other healthcare providers

Thank you for your wonderful support for your local hospice – we’re looking forward to welcoming you back to St Catherine’s Park, our café and charity shops when we can.

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