Please read this page for information on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Page contents:
- Visiting our specialist ward in Exeter
- Virtual visiting
- If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19
- Temporary service suspensions and other safety measures
- Hospiscare’s COVID-19 FAQs
- Your data and COVID-19
- Resources relating to COVID-19
- Practical and advice in your local area
Visiting our specialist ward at Searle House, Exeter
For full information about visiting a patient on our specialist ward at Searle House during the pandemic and relating safety precautions, please read this page.
If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms – or if you have been in contact with anyone with symptoms – please do not visit to Searle House.
For the latest guidance on COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if you are displaying symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus. If you have recently been abroad we also ask that you check the government website for guidance before visiting.
We can support all our patients with virtual visiting via WhatsApp, Facetime or Zoom. The ward has access to an iPad. Patients are also welcome to use personal mobile phones or tablets. We have Wi-Fi available. Please ask staff for details.
Our response also includes:
- Temporarily suspending Day Hospice and support and social groups that meet face-to-face (telephone support and at home support continues to be available)
- Regular briefings to staff
- Increasing infection control notices and social distancing notices at all our buildings
- Making hand sanitiser available at our clinical sites
- Enabling non-clinical staff to work remotely where appropriate and possible to reduce footfall to our specialist ward
- Regular updates to this page.
For more information please read our FAQs about Hospiscare’s approach to COVID-19.
Your Data and COVID-19
Your personal information may not be your first thought when it comes to coronavirus, but if you’re worried, here is some information to help. This information is applicable to Hospiscare, but also to your employer and other organisations you come into contact with.
- Government, the NHS and other organisations will make sure you get vital public health messages via phone, email or text. You don’t need to give them your consent.
- You might be asked to give details about sensitive health conditions and recent travel that you think are excessive. Employers and organisations do have an obligation to protect their staff, so in some cases it can be reasonable for them to ask you if you’ve visited a particular country or if you have experienced coronavirus symptoms. But they shouldn’t be asking for more information than is necessary, and if you are concerned speak to the organisation involved. Hospiscare will only ask for information that is necessary to protect our patients and staff members.
- If you’ve made a Freedom of Information request or a subject access request from Hospiscare, you should expect delays in response as we may be diverting our resources to help with other challenges.
For more information about how Hospiscare may use your personal data, see our privacy policy.
Additional resources relating to COVID-19
For further information on the coronavirus pandemic, please see our specialist resources for healthcare professionals, view our free support services for care home professionals, view the Bereavement Alliance page or visit these external websites or browse our related resources list below…
Practical support and admin in your local area
We have compiled a list of support and advice services for patients, families and vulnerable groups across Exeter, mid and east Devon.
