1.) We are reducing the number of in-home and facility visits, in an attempt to reduce the risk of inadvertently spreading the COVID-19 virus to you. Our governor has asked every citizen of Washington to practice “social distancing” to slow the spread of this virus. We are therefore decreasing our number of “routine” in-person visits, and instead are conducting these over video (our staff will help you set this up) or by phone. For more urgent visits that have a direct bearing on your comfort, we will continue to provide in-person care to you, wherever you call home.
2.) With regards to personal protective equipment (PPE – i.e. gowns, masks, eye protection, etc.), we are following the guidelines set forth by the WHO, DOH and others. If there are no symptoms of COVID-19 in the home, we will practice good hand hygiene and keep physically separated as much as possible, without wearing protective gear. If there is someone who is symptomatic (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in your home, be it our patient or their caregiver, we will instigate droplet precautions by putting on a mask, eye protection, gown, and gloves. Additionally, if someone in your home is showing symptoms, we will ask that they wear a mask while our staff is in the home (which we will provide), and stay in a different room if possible.
3.) Because there continues to be a shortage of COVID-19 tests, we will not be routinely testing patients or caregivers. There may be situations where testing is warranted (this is on a case by case basis, and is evaluated by our physicians), in which case we can do this in the home. The nurse that carries out this procedure will practice airborne precautions, which include wearing an airtight mask, eye protection, gown, and gloves.
While everything we have just said is how we are practicing today, this crisis has taught us circumstances could very well change tomorrow. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will change our practices if necessary as new information comes to light from proven authorities.
Monetary Donations
Despite the disruption of COVID 19, providing compassionate and dignified care to dying people must continue. The patients and families that Hospice of the Northwest serves are still in need of expert end-of-life care, medication, equipment, grief and loss counseling, integrative therapies, and support for those who are un/underinsured. New considerations for keeping patients and staff safe have increased costs. Your gift in support of the “General Fund” allows the most flexibility to use resources where and when they are needed, including the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of care. Every gift, like every moment of life, matters. Please click here to make a gift, or call the HNW Foundation at 360-814-5702.
Donation of Items
If you are interested in donating items please click here (foundation@hospicenw.org) to send us a message and someone will reach out to you as soon as possible. Because safety is our top priority, all items must be medical grade, new, unused and in unopened packages.
Here is a list of items we may accept from the public:
Your generosity will make a difference to more people than you can imagine. Thank you for supporting the compassionate and dignified end of life care. Please contact Wendy at the HNW Foundation office if you would like to explore more ways to give (wcoates@hospicenw.org).
County and State Updates:
Skagit County COVID-19 Updates
San Juan County COVID-19 Updates
Snohomish County COVID-19 Updates
Island County COVID-19 Updates
Washington State COVID-19 Updates
Washington State Department of Health: Public Health Connection
Local Hospital Resources and Updates (Island, San Juan, Skagit and Snohomish counties):
Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital COVID-19 Updates
(Mount Vernon and Arlington)
Island Hospital COVID-19 Updates
(Anacortes)
United General PeaceHealth and PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center COVID-19 Updates
(Sedro-Woolley and San Juan Island)
Providence Hospital COVID-19 Updates
(Everett)
Skagit Regional Health MyEClinic – Telehealth
(Free visit available with code COVID19)
Everett Clinic(s) – Telehealth
(See site for more information on billing)
National Resources and Updates:
CDC information and resources
State Resources for Businesses and Employers:
Emergency Management Division Washington: Business Preparedness
Resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers
Employment Security Department Washington State: For workers and businesses affected by COVID-19
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Resources on Paid Sick Leave, Worker’s Compensation, Workplace Safety and Health
National Resources for Businesses and Employers:
CDC Resources and Recommendations
CDC Interim Guidance
OSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Other resources:
CDC Print Resources: Free to use handouts and posters
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