Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

At Derian House Children’s Hospice the safety of our children, young people, families, staff and volunteers continues to be our top priority. We review our policies and operating procedures in line with the very latest government advice for healthcare settings. In light of the advice released at the beginning of April 2022 we will be maintaining our COVID-Secure procedures whether they be within our buildings or in the community as follows: –

• PPE wearing will continue for all care staff.
• Mask wearing will remain and MUST be worn in all areas including non-clinical although we allow the removal when seats in non-clinical areas, all visitors to our buildings must comply with the same rules.
• Handwashing, on arrival and throughout the day must be observed plus the regular use of hand sanitiser which are located throughout the buildings.
• Social distancing to continue in line with guidance at a minimum of 1m increasing wherever possible to 2m.
• We are allowing visitors on an invited basis and subject to a Rapid Antigen Test (LFT) on arrival however. We would ask that if you have any of the following symptoms prior to your visit you please cancel or rearrange our visit :-
• Symptoms of COVID, flu or respiratory infections or (see below)

Continuous cough : High temp, fever / chills : Loss of or change in sense of taste or smell :  Shortness of breath :  Unexplained tiredness/ lack of energy

Muscle aches or pains not due to exercise :  Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry :  Headache that is unusual or lasting longer than usual

Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose :  Diarrhoea, feeling or being sick

We continue to provide our Outstanding Care and Support for the Derian children, young people and their families.

Our full range of services are operational (with COVID adaptations where needed) and we encourage referred families to make contact as normal to make arrangements for day or respite services on 01257 233300. We  continue to work with our colleagues in the NHS supporting them through step-down care and other support services.

Our non-clinical staff are now working back at the Hospice whilst ensuring they follow our COVID-Secure policies.

It costs over £5.7 million a year to keep the doors of Derian House open, our team are here and available to discuss great ways you can help fundraise, please call 01257 271271 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) and someone will be happy to help or you can email fundraising@derianhouse.co.uk

Donate to our Derian House here.

The COVID pandemic continues to present financial challenges to all charities. If you could fundraise for Derian House by and want advice on how then please call FUNdraising on 01257 271271.

Please follow us on social media @derianhouse

Resources for families

We are aware that the coronavirus continues to be a concern for everyone, but especially so if you are a parent or carer of a baby, child or young person who has complex health needs.

Please see this useful Q&A produced by Together for Short Lives.

Self Employment & Universal Credit

Employment & Support Allowance

Covid-19 Small Business Government Grant

Citizens Advice – advice line 03444 111 444  9am-5pm Mon to Fri

Emergency Funding

Food Banks – find a foodbank by entering  postcode and then following the instructions

Money Advice – you can ring them free or go on line to chat about any benefit query – 0800 138 1677

Benefits Guide – free resource which provides clear info on all UK welfare benefits and gives advice on applications, appeals, emergency assistance and legal help.

Carers Advice – helpline Monday and Tuesday 10am – 4pm  0808 808 7777  or email advice@carersuk.org  The website offers info and guidance to unpaid carers on a range of issues such as benefits, services available to carers.

DERIAN ON HOLIDAY: Our Derian on Holiday service at Ribby Hall Leisure Village and South Lakeland Leisure Village are fully operational and families are enjoying their 2022 holidays, if you want to know more about this service click Derian on Holiday

TRANSLATION SERVICES: Many of our families speak English as a second language, and so we are pleased to be able to share with you the Coronavirus advice for patients in 21 languages, produced by Doctors of the World in partnership with the British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice.

The advice is available in English, Albanian, Dari, French, Pashto, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, Bengali, Vietnamese, Kurdish, Farsi and Sorani, with more languages coming soon.