ACORN’S Children’s Hospice reopened its doors to sick children and their families to stay overnight for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In March 2020, Acorns made the unprecedented decision to temporarily close its facility in Birmingham as part of the charity’s emergency response to the emerging coronavirus crisis.
Meaning families, including those in Solihull, as well as care staff went to Acorns hospices in Walsall and Worcester which have remained open every day of the pandemic.
The Selly Oak facility was offered to the NHS to provide additional beds for covid patients of all ages.
Lindsey Homer, Head Nurse at Acorns in Birmingham based in Oak Tree Lane, said: “I can’t express how over-joyed we are to welcome children back to their local hospice for overnight stays.
“We know from speaking to parents and carers that the pandemic has been unbelievably challenging for many of the families we support.
“The local children and families who need us are the sole reason this hospice exists, and we’ve really missed having them stay with us.
“Seeing these corridors once again filled with laughter, smiles and lots of love brings so much joy – it’s what makes this hospice a home from home.”
Over the course of the pandemic, Acorns in Birmingham has gradually reintroduced day services at the facility, including hydrotherapy and music therapy sessions, as well as Stay and Play groups to help bring families together in a secure environment.
Families have also had access to the hospice gardens to enjoy precious time together in a safe outdoor space.
During the height of the crisis, Acorns staff and volunteers delivered care packages to families across Birmingham and the West Midlands who were shielding their poorly children at home.
Lindsey added: “I’m so proud of everything our hospice teams have achieved over the past 18 months.
“The level of care and support they have been able to provide during the most challenging conditions we have ever experienced at Acorns, is amazing.
“Our nurses and health care assistants have been incredible, agreeing to change their place of work from Birmingham to Worcester or Walsall. For most of them, this has involved significant additional travel time, and yet they have done this gladly.
“We look forward to welcoming more children and families back to Acorns in Birmingham as we continue to restore even more of our hospice services.”
