You have probably heard about the coronavirus which has dominated the news in recent weeks. This virus originated in China and symptoms include fever and a cough that may progress to pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. These symptoms can be more severe in people with weakened immune systems, older people and those with long-term conditions like cancer or chronic lung disease.

At St Christopher’s the wellbeing of the people we support, hospice visitors, staff and volunteers is our first priority and that`s why we are following advice and guidance issued by the World Health Organisation and the UK Government.

This means that we will not be able to provide care for anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days; even if they are not experiencing symptoms.

Instead individuals are advised to stay at home, limit contact with others and, if they do experience symptoms, to contact the NHS 111 service for further guidance and specialised care.

We also ask visitors not to come to either of our hospice sites if they have visited one of the countries outlined above  in the last 14 days and/or are experiencing symptoms. As we care for people who are susceptible to more severe strains of coronavirus we feel it is essential to take these precautionary measures.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation and please do not hesitate to speak to Amanda Mayo, Care Director, at a.mayo@stchristophers.org.uk or call the hospice on 020 8768 4500 if you have any concerns or questions.