Nottinghamshire Hospice has set up a new daytime visiting service in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new Hospice Outreach and Discharge Service combines urgent personal care and emotional support with therapies previously provided at the hospice, and is geared up to respond quickly to prevent people from being admitted to hospital or to support people to come home, keeping NHS beds free for Covid-19 patients.
The service, funded with help from a £4,000 grant from the National Emergencies Trust, will take referrals from patients, carers and health workers across Greater Nottinghamshire.
Jo Polkey, Director of Care at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “Since the pandemic began we’ve experienced high levels of calls on our services and we’ve needed to adapt fast.
“This new visiting service complements our existing Hospice at Home and Hospice Night Support services, meaning more support over the 24 hour period for patients in their own homes at the end of their lives and for their carers.”
Help on offer includes personal care (mouth care, continence and pressure area care), assistance with moving and handling, help with medication and providing drinks or a light meal. The team will also give emotional support to patients and carers.
