Can I stay with my child/ young person or visit them during their stay?
Visitors are currently restricted to essential visitors only (direct family members).
Demelza recognise that each family’s needs will be different, and each admission will be assessed individually and an agreement put in place with the family’s full knowledge. This should be documented in the child’s care notes and included on each handover. The following principles should be followed;
For children staying for;
Step down care:
Parents only are able to stay (siblings will be considered on an individual basis).
Additionally, visitors other than the other parent and siblings are now permitted to visit if deemed necessary by the family for their wellbeing. They must follow these principles:
- A MAXIMUM total number of 6 individuals (including the resident child)
- A total of 2 households i.e. the resident child and their parent(s) are one household, and the visitors are the second household and must usually reside together
- Social distancing of 2 metres between households at all times
- This visit will occur for a maximum of 1.5hours
- Use of Demelza facilities is to be discouraged. The visit should occur within the gardens or if weather not permitting, in the child's bedroom or meeting room. If toilet facilities are urgently required, this should be using the toilet in the reception area, and they must be asked to clean all touched surfaces with alcohol wipes after use.
Respite care:
Respite care or child’s first stay – no family to stay unless absolutely necessary (1 adult).
End of Life Care:
Parents and siblings are able to stay, a timetable for visitors may be required and times restricted to 1.5 hours. A robust risk assessment will be carried out and measures to minimise risk to other residents.
Visiting may be suspended if considered necessary (e.g. outbreak).
All visitors must have a COVID-19 lateral flow test on arrival to the hospice and wait for a negative result before entering the hospice building (exception for families coming for end-of-life care) and be instructed on hand hygiene, social distancing and the wearing of face masks when in communal areas.
Families and visitors with COVID-19 symptoms must not visit Demelza. Exception only for family of child at end of life.
Advice for each family will be agreed by the Lead Nurse and Team Leader.