Hospice still reaching homes

CONTINUING their services, Ballarat Hospice Care is working hard to ensure their community’s patients, carers and staff are safe during the current pandemic, and beyond.

The service is adapting to provide everyday in-home palliative care and support. CEO Carita Clancy said its important people know Hospice is not cancelling services or discharging patients in response to COVID-19.

“We are using telehealth more than we ever have, and we’re very well set up to do this,” she said.

“I someone needs to be seen face-to-face because of their deteriorating condition, and their pain or discomfort couldn’t be managed by telehealth, we are taking strict precautions.

“We’re having a health screening before we would consider going out to any face-to-face visits, and we will only go out to those visits when absolutely necessary.”

With anxiety and fear widely heightened, Ms Clancy said Hospice will continue to lend their community an ear.

“We’re good at listening with compassion, care and kindness, and we’re working very hard to support our patients and their carers. That will not change, and particularly now, it’s even more important,” she said.

“The focus is the needs of the patient and their carers at this time, and really listening to them and their needs.”

The service’s Sturt Street, Alfredton hub is not receiving visitors as normal, following the state Health Department’s guidelines. Anyone who wants to visit the office is asked to call beforehand on 5333 1118.

“We should all be practicing social distancing and working really hard to keep everyone in our community safe. Stay home, protect the health system and save lives,” Ms Clancy said.

“The second thing is to get your flu vaccination. We know it won’t protect you from coronavirus, but it does mean that your immunity won’t be compromised by the flu on top of that.”