CONTINUING their services, Ballarat Hospice Care is working hard to ensure their community\u2019s patients, carers and staff are safe during the current pandemic, and beyond.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are using telehealth more than we ever have, and we\u2019re very well set up to do this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI someone needs to be seen face-to-face because of their deteriorating condition, and their pain or discomfort couldn\u2019t be managed by telehealth, we are taking strict precautions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
With anxiety and fear widely heightened, Ms Clancy said Hospice will continue to lend their community an ear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re good at listening with compassion, care and kindness, and we\u2019re working very hard to support our patients and their carers. That will not change, and particularly now, it\u2019s even more important,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe focus is the needs of the patient and their carers at this time, and really listening to them and their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n