The project will support families during the coronavirus outbreak and beyond.
The UK’s first virtual children’s hospice has been launched to support children with life-shortening conditions and their families during the coronavirus outbreak and beyond.
The innovative service has been set up by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas) to help families who are self-isolating or unable to visit a hospice.
It will offer nursing, medical and pharmacy-related advice over the phone or via video call, as well as bereavement support, money and benefits advice and practical information about the coronavirus.
The service will also provide a storytelling service for children at home, letter writing and other activities for children and parents, and virtual visits from hospice “clowndoctors”.
Rami Okasha, Chas CEO, said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone, particularly for families caring for children who will die young. Chas will be alongside those families in every way we can and that’s where our virtual hospice comes in.
“Many families we support are self-isolating and our two hospices have to prioritise end-of-life and crisis care right now.
“For families who can’t come to the hospice, we will take our hospice to them. Our nurses will be reaching out to families to offer advice and support. Our dedicated volunteers will make friendship calls to ensure parents never feel alone. Our specialist teams are on hand to provide clinical advice and keep children smiling with a suite of great activities. We can do all that, ensuring face-to-face care is prioritised for emergencies and crisis.
“Keeping the joy alive is at the very heart of everything we do at Chas, but it goes without saying it’s putting more strain on our resources just when fundraising is hardest. We really need your help to keep our services running and help us adapt our care to those who need it most.”
Chas is also supporting the NHS and Scottish Government throughout the crisis, supplying care packages for children at home and working with all three of the country’s children’s hospitals. Specialist staff have also been working alongside the NHS to care for children around Scotland.
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