THE STAFF and volunteers of Wigan and Leigh Hospice have been given an award in recognition of their contribution during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Eamonn O’Neal, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, has awarded the Hindley-based charity The High Sheriff Special Recognition Award.
The award is given to individuals or groups of individuals who have made ‘an outstanding contribution to the community during the difficult circumstances brought about the C-19 pandemic’.
Caring for people
In an accompanying letter Dr O’Neal writes: “You were nominated for your amazing work in looking after the patients and families in your community. You care for people when they are at their most vulnerable. It is a wonderful thing to do and you do it within a framework of strong values. This has been a challenging and difficult period and yet you have continue with your vocation with great skill and humility. As well as caring for patients you have been looking after each other’s wellbeing, which is extremely important at this time.”
Since the pandemic began the hospice has begun offering video and telephone appointments for the first time to people with life-limiting illnesses while also making home visits for those people most in need. The Inpatient Unit has remained open for those people whose symptoms and pain need to be managed or those patients at the end of life who require 24/7 care. For the first time, online exercise classes are being delivered for isolated day centre users and the Hospice has started offering telephone and video counselling.
Training
The hospice is also delivering training in issues connected to Covid 19, such as planning for future care needs and dignity in death, to care and residential homes across the Borough.
Dr Alan Baron, Chief Executive of Wigan and Leigh Hospice, said: “I am incredibly proud of how the staff and volunteers have responded to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. They have all pulled together to ensure that, no matter the huge changes they are having to adjust to or the impact on their own personal and working lives, we continue delivering compassionate care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I am delighted that these efforts have been noticed and recognised by the High Sheriff.”
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