The UK’s only baby-specific hospice to remain open during the latest lockdown.
Following on from the English government’s announcement on the evening of Monday 4th January 2021 stating that the country is to enter another lockdown, the UK’s only baby-specific hospice, Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice, has confirmed that it is to remain open.
The charity, which operates three hospices in Coventry, Liverpool and Middlesbrough, was forced to close its doors for five months during the first national lockdown, amid concerns for the safety and protection of the vulnerable babies and infants that regularly seek the palliative, respite and end-of-life care it offers.
However, after speaking to a number of parents since re-opening, the charity learnt that these families endured tremendous struggles during this period of time, all because their access to vital care and support was taken away almost instantaneously.
Zoë’s Place is a lifeline for the many families that use it, which is why the hospice wants to continue operating. However, in order to do so, and whilst simultaneously keeping the babies, infants and their families – plus the charity’s members of staff – safe, Zoë’s Place will continue following the strict safety measures that are already in place.
Moving forwards, the charity has taken the decision to part-furlough or completely furlough some members of its fundraising teams because it has been unable to proceed with a planned calendar of fundraising events.
Joan Stainsby, Executive Trustee, Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice, said:
Zoë’s Place is committed to providing the same level of palliative, respite and end-of-life care our families have come to expect over the years – especially during the third lockdown – and we want to be able to continue offering it for many more years to come.
For many families, the thought of Zoë’s Place not being around is incomprehensible. Not only has it been an important part of their family life, but it allows families the chance to catch up on housework, binge the latest television shows and do the weekly shop, just by the charity simply existing.
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