Terri Gazi lead nurse gives us her latest Covid-19 update on how things are at the City Hospice
I hope you find my latest Covid-19 update useful to let you know how life is affected at the Hospice for both our patients and staff. Covid remains not only a challenge here at City Hospice but also for so many people in Cardiff. People who are unwell people who are bereaved, people who have lost their jobs, people who are trying to keep their jobs, people who are suffering with mental health issues, people who have never suffered with mental health issues but are now suffering, people who are not able to see loved ones, the effects on children – this is a sad endless list.
The City Hospice team are also affected by many of the changes and challenges Covid has brought to our personnel and professional lives. Nobody wanted this but everybody just wants it to go away. However, not everyone is on the same page regarding lock down, easing of restrictions, social isolation and distancing. I can say we are all on the same page at the charity, and we continue to follow current public health guidelines discussed every morning at our Covid planning meeting. We will always strive to keep our patients and staff safe.
We’re now wearing face masks at all times
The most recent changes we have made at City Hospice include a temperature check for all staff entering the building. We now also wear face masks at all times and continue with rigorous cleaning measures throughout the building. Our admin staff have struggled with the face masks. Whilst the clinical team have had many months to get used to the drawbacks of a face mask-heat, glasses steaming up and of course trying to drink a cup of tea.
The donated Alice bands have been so appreciated as modelled; they have prevented us getting really sore ears. We all have a favourite colour and thanks to the kind donations we have many colours and patterns to choose from, so thank you from all the team. On a personnel note I love the way they pull up all my wrinkles so one happy lead nurse!
I think face masks may become the fashion accessory of 2020
If you need to visit our building we will require
you to wear a face cloth covering. Do not worry if you have not got a face cloth covering we do have some spare. But remember a scarf, socks and many other things can be turned into appropriate facial wear. The media/internet/you tube has many examples and step by step instructions. Please remember when you wear a facial cloth covering it will need to be washed once you return home and can be then reused. I think they may become the new fashion accessory of 2020 coordinating the colour with your clothes/shoes/handbag!!
We continue to visit patients and are more than happy to visit you at home with staff wearing appropriate PPE. As time has gone on and many of our patients continue to self isolate, a visit from your nurse is available and you can be reassured every precaution is taken to minimise any risk to yourselves.
There is lots of useful information on our website
Katie and Andrew
Rachel
A quick reminder if you are suffering from any anxiety or well being issues we are here for you and information is available here . Financial worries and living accommodation are of real concern to many of our patients. Please contact our Welfare Rights Officer Katie Tucker or Social Worker Andrew Wade, again more information is on here. For practical issues such as bathing and mobility please contact Rachel Roberts, our amazingly knowledgeable Occupational Therapist. What Rachel does not know, nobody knows! Please also take a look at her advice for patients with shortness of breath on our website. A relaxation video recorded by myself is available on our website to help with some well-deserved chill time.
Finally, I would just like to thank the team I work with. We have gone through and are still going through some tough times. But their commitment to delivering a service to the population of Cardiff remains their number one priority. We are a mixture of ages, experience and personalities who have been brought together under the umbrella of City Hospice. We laugh, chat, have banter …..but most importantly we are a team.
Thank you for your support, it does make such a difference in such difficult times.
