Children’s hospice emerges from lockdown in a partial reopening
MAIDENHEAD: A children’s hospice reopened its doors this week as coronavirus lockdown rules eased, writes Kieran Bell.
From Tuesday, families relying on the support of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service have access again to care and facilities at the building in Snowball Hill, near Maidenhead.
The charity was required to close its doors to families when the UK went into full lockdown in March, and adapted its services to support them during the pandemic, providing virtual contact, music therapy, bereavement support and end-of-life care.
Helen Bennett, the hospice’s director of care, said it has been difficult for families as they spent a lot of time indoors.
“It has been really tough for families during the lockdown,” she said.
“Most have been shielding to protect their children and, while we’ve been providing them with the support they need at home, many of them miss coming to the hospice, being able to enjoy all the facilities it offers.
“Supporting children and families back into the hospice has involved a lot of planning and making sure we have all the necessary measures in place to protect the children, families and our staff.
“To begin with we will restrict the number of families that can access the hospice at any one time and we will continue to maintain high standards of infection control and PPE in line with all the Government guidelines.”
The gradual reopening of the hospice coincides with Children’s Hospice Week, which runs until Sunday.
The initiative will raise funds for the 54 children’s hospice services across the UK, at a time when many have been unable to benefit from fundraising events.
To donate to Alexander Devine, visit www.alexanderdevine.org/