NHS Lanarkshire is pleased to announce Kilbryde Hospice will be joining forces with South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership to support the care of COVID-19 patients at University Hospital Hairmyres.
Calum Campbell, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive, said: “Over the past week, NHS Lanarkshire board of directors have been working closely with Kilbryde Hospice and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
“We are pleased a new arrangement has been reached that will allow Kilbryde Hospice to provide much needed palliative care assistance to University Hospital Hairmyres as they deal with increasing demands of patient care at this critical time.”
Gordon McHugh, Kilbryde Hospice Chief Executive, added: “Kilbryde Hospice was built by the people, for the people and so our intention is to redirect our focus and provide support to Hairmyres. As a result, we will receive COVID-19 patients from the hospital to the hospice who are in need of palliative care.
“The hospice’s nursing and clinical support workers will provide daily care to patients, under the medical care of Hairmyres staff. The hospice will also be offering transport to pick up staff from both locations and Kilbryde will also provide a breakout area for staff.
“We are confident that the resilience, adaptability, talent and commitment of our team, together with the help of our volunteers and other supporters, will enable us to adapt the care we need to provide at Kilbryde Hospice. We are sure everyone will pull together at this difficult time.
“The motto of Kilbryde Hospice is ‘Here because we care’ and we are committed to caring for our communities in this time of need.”
Meanwhile Kilbryde Hospice has asked for businesses to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies in order to ensure it is fully stocked going forward.
Gordon said: “We have had a really positive response from those businesses and people in the community offering their assistance and we want to thank all those for their offer of support.
“We would like to provide reassurance that the hospice is fully compliant with the infection prevention and control guidance relating to the use of PPE when caring for patients with COVID-19.
“All hospice staff have the appropriate PPE for the care they are required to deliver and all staff comply with the level of PPE to ensure the stock is used appropriately.”
