While the risk to individuals from COVID-19 remains, Katharine House Hospice is still continuing to care for people with a life-limiting illness. It’s therefore important that we take all reasonable steps to protect the wellbeing of those using our services, as well as those working and volunteering at the hospice. 

We expect that everyone who comes into the hospice follows the Government’s general infection prevention advice, which is:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

We ask that all patients, relatives, friends, staff, volunteers and contractors consider whether they could be a potential carrier of COVID-19 before visiting Katharine House Hospice or any of our retail outlets. You should consult the latest information and guidance on the Government and NHS websites linked below:

• The gov.uk website
• The NHS website

Please check this guidance before visiting us and note that the guidance is subject to change and should be regularly reviewed. If you have any concerns about your potential exposure to COVID-19 or are displaying any symptoms, please do not come to the hospice; but instead check current government guidelines using the link above.

Visiting hours

Please see Visiting Katharine House Hospice - Oxford University Hospitals for more information about visiting hours at Katharine House.

Temporary suspension of group and drop-in activities and outpatient services

All group and drop-in Living Well sessions at Katharine House Hospice remain temporarily suspended to protect our vulnerable patients.

In the meantime, we are continuing to provide telephone support to those patients who would usually take part in group activities at the hospice by providing activities to do at home and keeping everyone updated through a regular Living Well newsletter.

Download Living Well newsletters >

All outpatient appointments have also been suspended at this time, however, our Lymphoedema nurse continues to support patients by telephone or video call. Additionally, our community nursing team are continuing to support patients in their own homes. The majority of this support, at this time, is also over the telephone, with home visits still made to patients in urgent need. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a constantly moving situation and we will provide regular updates on this page. If you have any questions, please contact us on 01295 811 866.

Katharine House Hospice Risk Assessment

The Risk Assessment for Katharine House Hospice can be found by clicking the button below:

Katharine House COVID-19 Risk Assessment >

Questions or concerns

If you are concerned about your exposure to infection in any other circumstance you should contact 111.

Please note that while the term 'hospice' is used above, this guidance applies to everyone, working or volunteering, or visiting Katharine House, regardless of setting. We take the wellbeing of those using or working in the hospice seriously and appreciate your support in following the guidance above.

If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the hospice on 01295 811 866 and ask to speak to a member of the senior leadership team.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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