Last updated: 28 April 2023
As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. These actions will also help to reduce the spread of other respiratory infections. COVID-19 and other respiratory infections such as flu can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.
Vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, however even if you are vaccinated there is a chance you might catch COVID-19 or another respiratory infection and pass it on to other people.
As an organisation, we recognise the need for our services to respond quickly to support those who need our care and support and will be taking the necessary steps to protect the people we care for both at home and in the Hospice, as well as those working and volunteering with us.
We have carefully considered the risks to health and aim to minimise contagion by: maintaining space and ensuring areas do not become overcrowded, as far as this is reasonably possible.
Surgical face masks are no longer required in all patient-facing roles within Rowans Hospice, Rowans Living Well Centre and when nursing people in their own homes unless requested by the Patient.
Masks will also be worn by staff when caring for a patient who is classified as extremely vulnerable or has symptoms or a confirmed positive COVID test.
IMPORTANT UPDATES TO THE STATUS OF OUR SERVICES ARE BEING MADE REGULARLY – PLEASE READ BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS.
The health, safety, and well-being of our patients, their families, our staff, and volunteers remain our absolute priority and like all health organisations we will continue to do all we can to protect patients, visitors, staff and volunteers as we live alongside the Coronavirus.
We are enabling free visiting to patients, recognising the importance of maintaining connections with close family and friends, however we may at times request reducing the number of visitors to avoid overcrowding. The Visiting Policy details current practice and are in line with local community NHS and social care services.
Visitors with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are advised not to visit to protect those who are more vulnerable to contagion.
Staff and volunteers caring for patients will lateral flow test if they have any symptoms of COVID-19. Furthermore, if they test positive for COVID-19 they will refrain from work and follow national guidance. Risk assessment will also be considered and for the most vulnerable patients, we will do all we can, not to expose them to anyone who may have been recently exposed to COVID-19.
For patients being admitted to the In-patient Unit from home or another community setting: – a test will be undertaken if they develop COVID-19 symptoms; a positive test result will guide their medical assessment and treatment plan. Patients discharged from hospital should be routinely tested before they are transferred; if this hasn’t been possible a test will be arranged on arrival and if symptoms develop.
All visitors will be required to sign in at the Rowans Hospice Reception and wash their hands or sanitise.
If additional PPE is required to protect the person you are visiting, this will be indicated on your arrival.
Please ensure you read the Full Visiting Policy here.
The current status of our services is as follows:
Thank you for your support and understanding during this challenging time.
You can help to stop the spread of any germs by:
Rowans Hospice provides palliative and end of life care to the highest quality for those living with a life-limiting illness in the Southeast of Hampshire. Our highly trained hospice carers help to improve quality of life for the patient by easing physical symptoms as well as offering psychological, spiritual and social support to both patients and their loved ones.
Our dedicated hospice care is available round the clock either in house or at home, as well as offering services for day visitors in our Living Well Centre.
Whilst our care is provided free of charge, we are in fact a hospice charity and 90% of our income is generated by legacies, donations, fundraising and our retail shops. Through your generous donations and fundraising we continue to provide much needed support to the community and make a difference to so many lives and for this we thank you.
