ONE of the UK’s only baby-specific hospices located in Coventry has announced it is to remain open during the third national lockdown.
Zoë’s Place, 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 vulnerable babies and infants who regularly seek palliative, respite and end-of-life care.
But after speaking to a number of parents since re-opening, the charity learnt that these families endured tremendous struggles during this period of time, because their access to vital care and support was taken away almost instantaneously.
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.
“As Zoë’s Place navigates its way through the third national lockdown, we will be reliant on the kindness and generosity of the public more than ever to help us ensure that we can continue to do that. For that, we can’t thank you enough.”
But the charity has reluctantly taken the difficult decision to part-furlough and furlough some members of its fundraising teams from Monday January 11 as a direct impact of the pandemic.
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