Dad uplifted by daughter's visit at St Luke's Hospice

Since the start of the pandemic, patients receiving end of life care have been able to have visits at their bedside from loved ones, with strict safety procedures in place.

Now, thanks to the support of a local company, new visiting facilities have been created to enable patients receiving symptom management care or respite care to see their families safely during their stay on the Inpatient Unit.

Melody Corporation Marquees, a long term business supporter of the hospice, has constructed a pod off the conservatory.

Complete with heating, comfy chairs and a microphone, families can chat to their loved ones who will be seated in the conservatory or pushed through in their bed.

Dr Andrea Graham from St Luke’s said: “One of the most upsetting consequences of the pandemic is being unable to visit and spend time with our loved ones, something I think we all find difficult to bear.

“So we are absolutely delighted here at the hospice to introduce new safe visiting facilities for families of patients who are receiving symptom management care or respite care.

"It means so much to our patients and their loved ones to be able to see each other safely and to spend precious time together. We are so very grateful to Melody Corporation Marquees for donating the pod for as long as we need it.”

George Fletcher, 82, was the first patient to test out the new visiting facilities, enjoying precious time with his daughter

He said: “Oh it was lovely. My youngest daughter came down and it was delightful to see her and her sparkling eyes and her cheerfulness.

"Her cheerfulness is a real tonic it really is, it makes me feel really grand. We both enjoyed seeing each other’s eyes because eyes tell a lot, don’t they?

“We had a lovely time chatting away and relating what the family has been doing and she wanted to know what was happening to me here and it was just a lovely experience, especially with all the accommodating staff who’ve done wonders for me here.”