New stay-at-home order means service changes at Hospice Quinte

Hospice Quinte  will be closed to the public from Jan.14 to Feb.28 2021, but staff can be reached by email or telephone. File photo.

By Edna Caroline Byenkya

BELLEVILLE–In the wake of the new stay-at-home order issued by the Ontario government, Hospice Quinte has adjusted the way services will be provided to clients to ensure their health and safety.

In a statement released by Hospice Quinte, it says it will be closed to the public from  Jan.14 to Feb.28 the Hospice Quinte. Staff can be reached by email or telephone.

All in-person group activities such as support groups, volunteer training or public education activities will be suspended and clients, volunteers and attendees will be notified. Bereavement counselling and companionship services will continue to be delivered via telephone.

In response to the latest public health measures, Hospice Quinte will be making important service adjustments, between January 14, 2021 and February 28, 2021. https://t.co/DPBXaNQYQk pic.twitter.com/hDw30YQwct

— Hospice Quinte (@HospiceQuinte) January 14, 2021

The executive director of Hospice Quinte, Jennifer-May Anderson, said that there will also be cyber-care support to assist those taking care of terminally ill patients.

“This is an email (sent to volunteeers) with loads of tips, information, links and videos for those who are caring for terminally-ill patients over the phone,” Anderson said. “We put this in place to make it easier for all of us to get through this difficult time,” she added.

Anderson also said Hospice Quinte is working hard to ensure their clients get the best services even during the lockdown.

“We understand that people need compassion now more than ever during COVID times. Together, with our volunteers, we are working closely to make sure our clients are taken care of,” she said.

In-person visits through the Visiting Hospice service will be suspended. Volunteer visits and clients’ client assessments are also to be conducted via telephone.

As COVID-19 progresses into 2021, Hospice Quinte will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly using information made available by Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the World Health Organization to guide decisions.

For more information about Hospice Quinte residents are encouraged to visit hospicequinte.ca.