Coronavirus: Hospice suspends activities and closes its charity shops

It was decided to take the measures to protect guests, their carers, staff, volunteers, and their friends and families, from the coronavirus outbreak.

Guests are being contacted by telephone instead and no new referrals are being accepted at the moment.

In a further blow for the charity, it has decided to close its shops at Stathern, Bottesford, Cotgrave, Asfordby and Melton, plus its Stathern tea room, and is consequently closed for donations.

A statement from Dove Cottage reads: “Since news broke of the coronavirus, we’ve been employing best practice and following government advice to keep our guests, volunteers and staff protected to the utmost of our professional abilities.

“In line with UK government and Public Health England guidance, Dove Cottage Day Hospice is suspending services at our Stathern and Ridlington hospices for a period of at least 12 weeks.

“Our primary concern will always be making sure our guests, their carers, our staff, volunteers, and their friends and families, are safe and well.”

The hospice said staff will be maintaining contact with guests by telephone with an aim to call all of them as often as they can to offer over-the-phone support.

Phone support will also be given Family Support Services, instead of the monthly meetings at the hospice and home visits.

For the Dementia Support Group, the hospice will call the carers of those living with the disease on the second Friday of every month instead of holding monthly meetings.

The statement continued: “Whilst our Stathern and Ridlington hospices are closed, we will be offering chaplaincy services to our guests by telephone, should they wish us to.

“Unfortunately, no new referrals can be accepted at this time.”

The hospice’s Challenge Evening, scheduled for Wednesday, is cancelled, as is the quiz and paella night due to be held on Friday.

The auction is postponed until Saturday September 5