“We’re looking at this fine balance at keeping our volunteers and staff safe and still supporting the community,” Communications for Hospice North Hastings Barb Shaw tells the MyBancroftNow.com newsroom.
Vintage on Hastings and the Village Playhouse – both run by Hospice – have been closed due to COVID-19. However, Hospice will continue to run with Office Manager Bonnie Jackson at their office at 27 Bridge Street East every day to evaluate what services are needed for clients on a case-by-case basis. “We’re asking people to call before coming to the office,” Shaw adds. She says to let Jackson know what is needed and from there she will determine what needs to be done by Hospice staff and volunteers.
The medical equipment loan cupboard will continue. “We might ask people to hold on to equipment longer if it’s not urgent to get it back,” Shaw says. Equipment pick-ups will likely not be done face-to-face with Shaw saying what is needed will be left on the office’s porch for pick-up.
“Bottom line, it’s about providing whatever support we can in the community while keeping volunteers and staff as safe as possible,” Shaw says. “This puts our team to not be put in a position where anyone has to take an unnecessary risk.” Shaw compliments those who work at Hospice saying that will be able to adapt and will make sure they’re able to continue supporting the community.