Bereavement Point Support During Covid-19 Situation
We appreciate the loss of a loved one is very difficult at any time and the current situation may make coping with a loss even more difficult. Normally we would be writing to bereaved families to let them know about support available through our Bereavement Point groups in Coventry and Rugby. We’re obviously not able to offer these groups at the moment but would like to offer support where and how we’re able.
You or other members of your family/friends may find it useful to have someone to talk to who is not an immediate family member or close friend. As part of our wider bereavement service, we have trained volunteers who are able to speak to you on the phone and offer support. This might be particularly useful for elderly people living alone who may be lonely or isolated, but is open to all. If this would be helpful please contact one of us and we can arrange this for you. We hope to be able to reopen our support sessions as soon as the current restrictions are lifted and information about the groups normal times and venues are enclosed.
We have also included with this letter some information about coping with loss during this time which may be useful, but if you have a specific question we may be able to help with please feel free to call or email using the details below
If you have any questions about any aspects of our chaplaincy or our bereavement service please contact Simon Betteridge on 024 7696 7511 simon.betteridge@uhcw.nhs.uk or Pam Martin 024 7696 5833 pamela.martin@uhcw.nhs.uk
Simon Betteridge Pam Martin
(Lead Chaplain (Medical Examiners Officer &
& Bereavement Service Manager) Bereavement Office Manager)
Funerals
When someone dies we usually have a funeral service. Funerals are important because:
Under the current restrictions enforced by the Government during the Coronavirus crisis, funerals and cremations may be disrupted or delayed. The number of family members permitted to attend a funeral has been limited. Many people who are grieving the death of someone close may be in isolation and unable to attend funerals. This will clearly cause a great deal of upset and will be distressing. If you have not been able to attend the funeral of a loved one or haven’t been able to have the type of funeral you would have had, there are things that might be helpful to consider.
Losing someone as a result of Coronavirus
If someone dies of coronavirus or complications resulting from the virus, a number of things may be particularly hard for family and friends to deal with. Infection controls may mean that family members do not have an opportunity to spend time with someone who is dying, or to say goodbye in person.
Depending on the person, the illness may have progressed and become serious very quickly, which can lead to feelings of shock. If they were not able to be present for the death and cannot view the body, it may be difficult to accept the reality of a loss.
At times of considerable trauma, people tend to look for certainty. However at the moment, that certainty is not there. This can amplify any feelings of angst and distress. Bereaved people may be exposed to stories in the media which highlight the traumatic nature of death in these circumstances. Or they may have witnessed distressing scenes directly. Because of pressure on health services, friends or family may also have concerns about the care the person received before they died. This in turn can lead to feelings of anger and guilt.
Things you can do to help yourself might include talking things through with friends and family. This can be done remotely if you or they are isolating. If you are feeling very distressed, share your feelings with someone you trust or you can call one of our Compassionate Communities team.
Grief and Isolation
Being bereaved can be a very lonely time. Talking with friends and family can be one of the most helpful ways to cope after someone close to us dies. Our advice is usually to avoid spending lots of time alone. But at the moment many of us need to self-isolate so that we don’t catch the coronavirus, or pass it on to others. Grieving while being alone can mean that:
There are some things that you could do to help yourself and others who have experienced a loss including:
It may be good to consider thinking about recording messages from a mobile phone, or transferring and/or printing photos from a device before or soon after your relative or friend dies or had died. It may cause further distress if, in the future, you find a loved one’s voice messages have been erased from phones and precious photos are lost.
Supporting others
At this time we may all have experiences where we’re struggling and need others to help and support us. You can help those around you by staying in contact and especially with bereaved friends and family (even if you cannot visit in person if you or they are isolating). It may be good to send a letter or card as receiving something physical can be important.
You can phone and let them talk about how they are feeling and about the person who has died as talking can be one of the most helpful things for expressing grief after someone dies.
If you know of a friend or family member who can’t go to the funeral of someone close, you could support them by staying in touch after the funeral and let them know you are thinking of them. You could also find ways of sharing your memories of the person who died.
Further help and support
Compassionate Communities (Coventry & Rugby) email uhc-tr.compassionatecommunities@nhs.net or call 024 7696 5131
https://www.cruse.org.uk/
https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/relationships-family/bereavement/
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Earlier this year, the Government revised the guidance on Shielding for CEV patients. All those who have been identified as CEV have been advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else, whilst potentially thinking about extra precautions you could take to reduce your chance of catching COVID-19.
Taking into account this guidance, and the evidence that most patients have now resumed having their blood tests at their usual preferred location, UHCW will no longer be providing the Shielding phlebotomy service from Monday 13 December 2021. You will need to make arrangements to get your blood tests done, as you did prior to the pandemic at locations across Coventry and Warwickshire at www.uhcw.nhs.uk/bloodtests If your specialist has requested a blood test which is due to be taken prior to Monday 13th December, you can expect it to take place at a ‘Pop-up’ clinic, as before. Any blood tests required after this date will need to be a booked appointment.
You can keep up to date with the latest advice from the Government and from UHCW on the following website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.