Patients at St Luke’s Hospice and their families are using new Covid-safe visiting facilities funded by donations.
Since the start of the pandemic patients receiving end of life care have been able to have visits at their bedside from loved ones, with strict safety procedures in place.
However, thanks to the support of a local company, new visiting facilities have been created.
It means patients like George from Nantwich (pictured) can see their families safely during their stay on the Inpatient Unit.
Melody Corporation Marquees, a long term business supporter of the Hospice, has constructed a ‘pod’ off the conservatory in the Inpatient Unit.
It features heating, comfy chairs and a microphone so families can chat to their loved one in the conservatory or pushed through in their bed.
Dr Andrea Graham, from St Luke’s, said: “One of the most upsetting consequences of the pandemic is being unable to visit and spend time with our loved ones, something I think we all find difficult to bear.
“So we are absolutely delighted here at the Hospice to introduce new safe visiting facilities for families of patients who are receiving symptom management care or respite care.
“It means so much to our patients and their loved ones to be able to see each other safely and to spend precious time together.
“We are so very grateful to Melody Corporation Marquees for donating the ‘pod’ for as long as we need it.”
George, 82, was the first patient to test out the new visiting facilities, enjoying precious time with his daughter.
He said: “Oh it was lovely! My youngest daughter … came down and it was delightful to see her and her sparkling eyes, and her cheerfulness.
“Her cheerfulness is a real tonic it really is, it makes me feel really grand. We both enjoyed seeing each other’s eyes because eyes tell a lot, don’t they?
“We had a lovely time chatting away and relating what the family has been doing and she wanted to know what was happening to me here and it was just a lovely experience, especially with all the accommodating staff who’ve done wonders for me here.”
Meanwhile, St Luke’s Hospice has thanked supporters after it was forced to cancel its traditional Christmas Tree Collection fundraiser in January.
Despite the cancellation, the local community stood by the hospice, with only a small number of people asking for a refund.
Andy Bailey, Corporate Partnerships Manager at St Luke’s Hospice, said: “I’d like to thank everyone that chose not to ask for their donations back.
“It goes without saying that with our charity shops still closed and our events programme on hold, we need every pound right now. I would also like to thank our long-term sponsors, Redrow Homes, for their support too.”
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