Under ‘normal’ circumstances The Strathcarron Daycare Team would routinely welcome up to 100 patients per week. 

The people who would come into Daycare once a week all have a life limiting illness and this was an opportunity for them to meet up on a social level and also receive many different therapies to help manage their illness and have access to doctors and nurses. In addition, many people used the craft room with support from our Art Therapists. Many of those using this facility discovered many hidden talents and, of course, it’s complete escapism from the challenges brought on by illness.

It stands to reason everyone attending Daycare has a compromised immune system which, unfortunately, means we can no longer welcome them into the building. However we know how important this service is to people so we been completely adapted the way we support traditional Daycare patients. There are currently 81 people receiving support from the Daycare Team. Everyone has direct contact with a nurse on the telephone to receive support with symptom management and other issues such as mobility changes. We have gone virtual with relaxation classes and art therapy, as well as sending ‘care’ packages which include a wooden heart, tea bag, biscuits and some quizzes or word searches. We are also connecting people together through virtual methods.

Everyone has had to adapt and learn new skills to enable us to continue supporting people with a life limiting condition or terminal illness. It’s a very different way of working for nurses whose natural tendency is to be in close contact and hands on with their patients. It’s sad we are not able to welcome Daycare patients into the building at the moment but that will not stop us in continuing our specialist care for those who need us.