To all our Patients, Supporters and Volunteers,

Your health and wellbeing is of paramount importance and, in view of the coronavirus guidance from the Government, we understand that some of you are concerned about the current situation and the potential risks to health.

We are living in unprecedented times and, as you all know, organisations of all kinds including Kilbryde are having to adapt to the Coronavirus threat, planning and making decisions based on Government and medical advice as the situation evolves.

In the past week, the Senior Management Team, Board of Directors and the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership have been planning for a change to the normal service we deliver.

Kilbryde Hospice was built by the people, for the people and so our intention is to join forces with The Health and Social Care Partnership to support the care of COVID 19 patients. In doing so, we will redirect our focus on the provision of specialist palliative care for COVID 19 patients, which will provide much needed assistance to Hairmyres Hospital as they deal with the increasing demands of patient care. The motto of Kilbryde Hospice is ‘Here because we care’ and we are committed to caring for our communities in this time of need.

The hospice has asked our business community to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies in order to ensure we are fully stocked going forward. I am delighted to say that we have had a really positive response from those businesses and people across our community offering their assistance and we want to thank all of those for their offer of support.
I would like to provide reassurance that the hospice is fully compliant with the infection prevention and control guidance relating to the use of PPE when caring for patients with COVID-19.

All hospice staff will have the appropriate PPE for the care they are required to deliver and that all staff will comply with the level of PPE to ensure the stock is used appropriately including equipment so generously donated.
We are confident that the resilience, adaptability, talent and commitment of our team at Kilbryde, together with the help of our Volunteers and other supporters will enable us to adapt the care we need to provide at Kilbryde Hospice. We are sure everyone will pull together at this difficult time.

Everyone has a part to play and should be aware of the situation as it is now, in which the Government advice is:

· To avoid unnecessary social contact.
· To protect those in high risk groups by encouraging them to self-isolate.
· To work from home where possible.
· To isolate the whole household for 14 days if one person in the household has a new, persistent cough and/or fever.

If you live alone and you have symptoms of Coronavirus illness, however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
For more details on coronavirus, do check the NHS web page which includes:
· Symptoms to look out for
· How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
· How to check if you need medical help
· How to self-isolate, if you’re asked to https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/wuhannovel-coronavirus/

NHS 111 or NHS Inform has an https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides/self-help-guidecoronavirus-covid-19 that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do, if you feel you are experiencing any of the symptoms. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.

Our information will be reviewed, and updates published regularly so please check our website for the latest details.