Compton Care creates new temporary ward to help NHS

Compton Care, based on Compton Road West, added an extra bed to its existing inpatient unit and created a temporary five-bed ward.

The new unit, known as IPU2, will provide space for patients who would otherwise be in hospital.

It has been set up in its Living Well Centre – a space which has been closed since the coronavirus.

Compton Care's chief executive, Claire Marshall, said: "In good times and in bad times we are here for our patients.

"It certainly is the toughest of times at the moment, but we are as dedicated as ever to putting our patients first.

"We have a fantastic team of clinicians and support staff and they will keep going as long as they can to take some of the strain from our NHS colleagues by caring for more patients and families than ever over the coming weeks.

"Our community have always been here for Compton as we have been here for patients, so if you can show your support; send us a message, do a fun isolation event, play our lottery, anything you can. You’ll be helping Compton survive through the crisis and come out the other side."

The hospice's nursing and healthcare assistants are also supporting district nursing teams – freeing them up to focus on urgent care.

The charity is helping support GPs, care home staff and other healthcare professionals by offering telephone advice.

Now chiefs at the hospice are appealing to the public to help them continue to support patients and the NHS.

People can donate through the Compton Vs Covid-19: Stepping Up appeal – either by making a donation, playing the Compton Care Lottery or taking part in a virtual event.

Residents can also send a message of support to staff to praise them for their hard work.

Ruth Brown, head of fundraising, added: "Your support will mean that we will continue to be there for our patients, and support the NHS, for as long as we can."

• For more information about the appeal, visit www.comptoncare.org.uk/covid-19-information/