There is no need to wear a face mask in our Hospice

16th May 2023: Hospice visitors and all clinical and nursing staff within the Hospice building and out in the community in people’s homes, do not need to wear a facemask, as advised by new Scottish Government guidance.

The return to pre-pandemic guidance means that, mask use are on clinical need based on infection prevention and control advice. This means visitors will not be routinely asked to wear facemasks in the Hospice, although they can still do so if they want.

It follows a review of the guidance introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect staff, patients and visitors, and recognises that Scotland has entered a ‘calmer’ phase of the pandemic.

The good news is that there is also no need to call in advance, please visit any time.

Susan Bateman, In Patient Ward Manager, Strathcarron Hospice, “It’s an emotional day for us, for so many reasons. It’s been 3 years, 2 months and 23 days since the start of the Pandemic. We have worn masks since then and today we are taking them off for the first time. I have mixed emotions, however relief and disbelief are the main ones.

Patient and family members will be able to see our faces; we can bring back our lippy and smiles. We will be beaming all day and this brings us so much joy. We have learned to smile with our eyes, but it isn’t quite the same.

So much has happened over the past 3 years and our priority is, and always will be, on patient care. With COVID-19, we did absolutely everything we could under the circumstances, but you don’t go into palliative care to ‘do what you can’. You do EVERYTHING you can.

Our masks are now off, our smiles will be abundant and our Hospice will be even more joyous as a result”.

We continue to be vigilant in our response to COVID-19 and encourage everyone to make sure they are up to date with the boosters available to them. We’re grateful for the tireless work of our teams during these challenging times and to everyone who has helped them by adhering to the guidance.

Masks will continue to be available to those who choose to wear them. We would stress that we still strongly encourage patients and visitors to continue with hand and cough hygiene measures and that visitors should not visit the Hospice if they have symptoms of Covid, or feel unwell. However, do give us a call, as we will do everything we can to ensure you can visit your loved one.

Click below to hear Susan Bateman's Interview.