Coronavirus and terminal illness

If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable, the Government are strongly advising you to stay at home as much as possible and keep interactions outside to a minimum. This is called ‘shielding’, and the government is currently advising people to shield until 31 July and is regularly monitoring this position.

From 1 August, the government will pause shielding unless the transmission of COVID-19 in the community starts to rise significantly.

This means: 

• the government will no longer be advising you to shield
• the support from the National Shielding Service of free food parcels, medicine deliveries and care will stop
• you can go to work, as long as the workplace is COVID-secure – but carry on working from home if you can
• you can go outside to buy food, to places of worship and for exercise – keeping 2 metres away wherever possible

You may still be at risk of severe illness if you catch coronavirus, so stay at home as much as you can and continue to take precautions when you do go out. You can do this by washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face and keeping 2 metres away from people outside of your household or bubble wherever possible.

You can keep up to date with the latest guidance on shielding here.

Some charities have worked with the NHS to produce advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) and certain health conditions such as cancer, heart disease and Parkinson's disease.

You can find the full information here.

If you or someone you know is approaching the end of life, you may be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect your treatment or care.

Do I need to do anything differently as someone who is approaching the end of life?

If you are at home, it is important to follow guidelines about reducing the risk of spreading coronavirus. In England, you are able to be outside for longer and more often. 

If you have family members who are your carers, but they do not live with you, they can continue to visit you to provide essential care, as long as they do not have symptoms of coronavirus.

Essential care means things such as helping with washing or getting dressed, or help with medicines. They will need to follow the advice to reduce the risk of spreading the virus including washing their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds as soon as they arrive.

If they develop symptoms of coronavirus they will need to self-isolate and will not be able to visit you. Let your healthcare team know if this happens.  

You and your family member may find it helpful to make a plan for what to do if they are unable to care for you. This could include names and contact details of:

• your main carer(s) 
• who else can provide care for you if needed
• your next of kin
• your GP and other healthcare team names and their contact details.

Can I still get care from the hospice?

Yes, we are still here for you. 

We are accepting referrals from healthcare professionals as usual. If you have been referred to us, we can care for you on our Inpatient Unit. Or if you have been accessing our Wellbeing Centre (previously Day Hospice), we can offer virtual support.