PENDLESIDE hospice have set up lateral flow testing to allow visitors during lockdown.

The testing began on Wednesday (January 20), enabling Pendleside to offer weekly testing of all visitors, to support visits safely with loved ones.

As of Monday (January 25), visitors will not permitted unless they have been issued with a seven-day visiting pass.

The hospice has said that visiting is crucial for maintaining health, wellbeing and quality of life for our patients and visitors.

Chief Executive Helen McVey said: “At the outset of the pandemic we foresaw that a lot of our fundraising was going to be adversely affected by lockdowns and restrictions so we launched our ‘Keep Your Hospice Open’ campaign.

“Our ambassadors, businesses and the people of Burnley and Pendle have reacted magnificently to the appeal which has enabled us to maintain a high-class service both in the hospice and out in the community. At the same time by increasing our inpatients unit from 10 to 18 beds we have also alleviated pressure on NHS hospital beds.”

A maximum of five named visitors will be allow per patient which can not be changed however only one person is allowed to visit at a time.

The hospice has emphasised the importance friends and relatives have to help keep their loved ones safe by following the government guidance.

Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests have been provided to the hospice by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Helen added: “But obviously the lockdown and restrictions are continuing so its so important that our local businesses and our local community are aware that we still need their generous help to maintain our services. I appreciate that everyone is suffering hardship but the hospice was built by the community for the community and that support is as important now as ever before.”