Hospice Online services help keep patients connected
DAY Services at Bristol’s hospice have been forced to move online during the pandemic - but are still providing a lifeline to patients.
The hospice normally runs a programme of day services out of its day hospice at its base at Brentry.
Patients, who sign up for a 12-week course, enjoy activities such as craft sessions, discussion groups, drop ins and a range of treatments.
They are also able to access support and advice from the hospice’s expert staff and build friendships and share experiences with other patients.
But due to the pandemic, the Wellbeing and Day Hospice programmes had to shut in March, with services moving to a virtual platform in September.
Now patients and carers can sign up for six week programmes and other sessions which are being run through out the week.
Patients, who sign up for a six-week course, enjoy activities such as group discussion, relaxation, gentle exercise and reflection.
They are also able to access support and advice from the hospice’s expert staff and build friendships and share experiences with other patients.
Day Services Manager Katie Miller said: “We could not replace like with like. So we had to redesign our services and the programmes within virtual sessions.”
The sessions are run via zoom. “The virtual sessions allow patients and carers to remain connected with the hospice and each other,” said Katie.
“Many of our patients are isolating due to the pandemic and some live alone and often don’t see anyone all week.”
The content of the sessions vary, with the overarching aim of improving patients wellbeing and reducing isolation.
They cover general discussions on topics, as well as relaxation techniques, light exercises, craft sessions and reflection with music.
There are also plans to launch seated yoga in the coming weeks. Similar sessions are run weekly for carers.
“The aim of meeting weekly is that people get to know one another and have that connection,” said Katie.
“We also use the sessions to discuss how people are coping with the lockdown. It’s also an opportunity for people to discuss the challenges they are facing and share their coping mechanisms with others in the group.”
The day services staff also run other virtual sessions including weekly drop ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a Monday relaxation session and a weekly quiz on a Wednesday, all of which are open to patients and carers.
The sessions are run by Katie who is a registered nurse and occupational therapist Caroline Cresswell.
“For many the sessions are a distraction and to have some fun and light relief at a time when life is difficult,” said Katie. “One of our patients said the sessions give her a purpose to get up every day as she knows there are people there waiting for her and she feels connected with the world.”
As well as the general sessions, Ralph Di Somma, the hospice’s spiritual lead runs a ‘sanctuary’ group on a Friday.
“The virtual sessions have been working really well,” said Katie. “We try to create what people want and need, we are willing to adapt to what people want.”
The hospice has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and is currently facing a £2 million gap in its budget. To donate visit stpetershospice.org
For more information about hospice day services, call 0117 915 9430.