Coronavirus Guidance

We’re following Public Health England (PHE) guidance and advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding Coronavirus and, as a result, are requesting that all service users, staff, volunteers and visitors stop and consider whether they could be a potential carrier of the coronavirus and therefore pose a risk to others using the hospice.

As you will have seen in the news, the coronavirus is a respiratory virus which means it can affect people’s breathing and lungs, and it can spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.  It’s extremely important that we take steps to protect the wellbeing of those using our services, as well as those working and volunteering at the hospice, and there are posters around our sites highlighting the importance of taking appropriate measures to do so.

Therefore we ask that before you visit St Ann’s you follow the instructions below:

• Have you been to an affected place in the last 14 days? (please click on the link below for the latest travel information)

or

• Have you had contact with somebody with Coronavirus?

or

• Have a cough, fever or shortness of breath?

If you answer YES to any of the questions above please help us to protect our patients, staff and volunteers by not visiting the hospice and instead stay at home and search ‘NHS coronavirus’ for advice to access the 111 online coronavirus service or call 111.

If anyone is concerned about their exposure to infection in any other circumstance they should contact 111 before attending the hospice. 111 will advise whether they meet the threshold for testing, in which case they should not attend until the results of this are known.

If you are under the care of our Community Team and any of the public information applies to you or a family member living with you then please notify us before we visit you.

Everyone is also being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then, bin the tissue and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public#advice-for-travellers and NHS UK www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the hospice and ask to speak to a member of the senior leadership team.