DEDICATED staff at a children's hospice are "determined to keep the care service going" despite admitting their financial situation has been "devastated" by the pandemic.

Throughout the unfolding coronavirus crisis, families supported by Poole's Julia's House children's hospice have been experiencing even greater levels of uncertainty and anxiety than they usually would.

Some of the hospice's families chose to go into lockdown weeks before the rest of the UK, in a bid to shield their seriously-ill children from the virus. Even the common cold can mean a lengthy hospital stay for many of these youngsters.

With the hospice's charity shops closed for the foreseeable future, its way of raising funds has plummeted by two thirds, so they are desperate for Government funding to help offset the estimated £2.8 million income loss that could be caused by coronavirus this year.

Therefore, Chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcement of a £750 million rescue package for charities, which he made last week, should be welcome news.

This package also included £200 million grant aid specifically for hospices.

Martin Edwards, Julia’s House chief executive officer, said: “ This funding will be an important step towards reducing our income loss this year which we have estimated to be £2.8 million, which is a huge financial blow to us and the care and support we provide to local families.”

Meanwhile, Julia's House director of care Ali Acaster said: "We have been determined to keep our care service going for as long as we possibly can. It has not been easy but we know our families need us more than ever during the Covid-19 crisis.

"There is often no break or relief apart from the support and care they receive from us.

"We’ve very much been adapting our service to their needs so making visits to families’ homes and using video calls to stay in touch, as well as collecting prescriptions and essential medical supplies.

“Most of us might be returning to a new normal in a few months time but for our families the fear and isolation will continue as they seek to protect their highly vulnerable children and we want to ensure we are there for them during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.”

Throughout the crisis, Julia’s House has been able to continue caring for the most vulnerable children and families in the local community, visiting families’ homes within the strict additional infection control measures put in place by the Government.

Julia’s House is also in advanced discussions with the NHS to support local health services wherever possible. As well as continuing care for vulnerable children and families in their homes to reduce pressure on the NHS, some of the Julia’s House nurses may work in NHS hospitals as well as provide additional care to children overnight to free up other health staff and resources.

Even Julia’s House van drivers are helping transport medicines and supplies.

Julia’s House has also furloughed 40 per cent of its staff.

Mr Edwards said: "Everyone who touches Julia’s House has a very special combination of resourcefulness, commitment and compassion, which we are seeing demonstrated in so many ways at present from our nurses and carers through to our volunteers and supporters.

"We are so grateful for everyone’s help in these uncertain times and we do need that support to continue, so we can carry on providing a much needed lifeline to the most vulnerable children and families in our community.”

Visit juliashouse.org/COVID-19 to donate.