COVID-19 Statement Tuesday 5th January 2021. Our Chief Executive, Simon Hills, has issued the following statement: "Following the latest restrictions introduced by the Government on January 5th, we are delighted to announce that we can continue to safely provide all planned respite care at the hospice and short breaks in the community. We will also remain open for emergency and end of life care, both at the hospice and in families homes across the region. “Since the start of the pandemic, we have successfully adapted the way we work to ensure families can still access many of our services remotely, such as counselling and support groups. This ‘virtual’ care will continue and our Care Team will be available on the phone 24/7 for anyone who needs support or advice. During these incredibly challenging times, we will still be there for families when they need us the most, adapting our service model to support them in every way we possibly can. “I know this is an incredibly difficult and uncertain time for everyone, not least for the families we support who are caring for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society. “As a charity focused on helping families make precious memories in the time they have together, the wellbeing of those in our care will always be our top priority. This, of course, extends to our brilliant staff and all our amazing volunteers and supporters who make our life-changing work possible. “We are truly humbled by the incredible support network we have locally - without you the life-changing work we do on a daily basis simply wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for all you do to make Bluebell Wood such a wonderful place. This has been a rollercoaster of a year for us all, and we are continually grateful for your support, patience and understanding as we navigate through these uncertain times.” Wednesday 30th December 2020 In light of the updated COVID-19 (Coronavirus) announcement, which has moved much of England into Tier 4, our Chief Executive Simon Hills would like to provide the following update: “Throughout the pandemic the safety of the families in our care, as well as that of our staff and volunteers, has been fundamental in every decision we have made. “This is why, mindful of the fact that many of the families we support live in Tier Four areas, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel any planned respite care and short breaks at home for families living in a Tier Four area, initially for the next 14 days (as of midnight on 30/12/2020) in line with Government guidance. We will still be providing planned respite care to families living outside of Tier Four areas within our catchment. "We will still be providing end-of-life care and emergency symptom management at the hospice and in family’s homes to all families who need us, regardless of which Tier they live in, during this time, taking all necessary precautions to keep everyone as safe as possible. “We appreciate that this will be disappointing for those families looking forward to visiting the hospice or having a short break at home, but please rest assured we will continue to do all we can to be there for the families in our care in different ways. “Since the start of the pandemic, we have successfully adapted the way we work to ensure families can still access many of our services, such as counselling and support groups, remotely. This ‘virtual’ care will continue and we will be available on the phone 24/7 for anyone who needs a friendly ear. “It’s certainly been a rollercoaster of a year for all of us, and there will be many more challenges to come, so we’d like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support in these uncertain times.” Coronavirus: guidance on visiting our hospice/shops The symptoms of coronavirus may be more severe in people with weakened immune systems and those with life-shortening and life-threatening illnesses. It is important that we take all reasonable steps to protect those using our services, as well as those working and volunteering at our sites. We are asking families, volunteers and supporters not to visit the hospice unless we have directly advised them otherwise. We also request that all staff, volunteers, contractors and supporters consider whether they could be a potential carrier of the coronavirus before visiting our shops. If you are feeling generally unwell, we politely ask you not to visit our sites to protect those in our care. For the latest information and guidance on the coronavirus you can visit: The gov.uk website The NHS website Avoid catching or spreading germs You can help to stop the spread of any germs by: catching your cough or sneeze in a tissue – bin used tissues straight away washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing (use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are unavailable) avoiding close contact with people who are unwell not touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. Information correct as of 23/10/2020 Manage Cookie Preferences