The Inpatient Unit at Michael Sobell Hospice had only re-opened for a few months when COVID-19 struck. The team quickly adapted their ways of working to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors but, most importantly, to continue offering high quality, compassionate care.
Wearing PPE was a huge change and the ever-smiling team had to adapt to communicating with patients from behind a mask – but they were grateful for donations of colourful scrubs (pictured) which brightened everyone’s day. Despite the challenges, visitors were able to see their loved ones which made a massive difference to every patient.
COVID-19 led to the immediate closure of the Day Therapy Unit and, again, the team had to adapt. They started calling patients weekly to answer any questions, provide assurance and talk them through self-care techniques. More recently, they started using Zoom to hold coffee mornings and relaxation classes and provide a platform for peer support.
Carol Weston, Matron at Michael Sobell Hospice commented: “Like many Hospices, our fundraising has dropped dramatically since COVID-19. Events have been cancelled, community groups haven’t met or fundraised. The income generated by The Hospice Lottery Partnership is therefore more valuable than ever and we thank every single player for their support.”
