A hospice in Aylesford says it has been overwhelmed with support after putting out an appeal for laptops to help staff work remotely during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Heart of Kent Hospice at Preston Hall said it urgently needed the computers so terminally ill patients and their families could still access clinical and emotional support services.

Scroll down to hear from CEO Sarah Pugh

Chief Executive, Sarah Pugh, said she is delighted by the response from the public.

"We want to thank everyone who shared our message on social media and I'm really delighted to say we now have those laptops.

"This means our specialist staff can adapt and continue to provide key services from home during these unprecedented times.

"It's vital to ensure our patients and their families can still access the care and support they need given the circumstances, and now we are able to continue doing that.

"Supporting the families of those who are terminally ill and dying during this period has never been more important."

Face-to-face consultations at the hospice have now been replaced by those over the phone for both patients and their families

Those receiving care on the Inpatient Unit have also been able to use dedicated phones to video call loved ones unable to visit in person.

Staff at the hospice are currently caring for more than 880 patients with new referrals daily.

Sarah added: "We anticipate that many more people throughout and after this crisis, are going to require the specialist and expert support of our bereavement services, counsellors, welfare advisers and spiritual support.

"We have been working very hard with the NHS over the last few weeks to ensure we can be there for everybody who will need us over the coming months.

"We are also asking if there are any doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants who may be able to come forward and help us at this time.

"Or if anyone can help the housekeeping team, we would be really grateful if they could come forward to support to the hospice."

For more information contact Diane Jenner on 01622 792200 ext 274 or email Diane.Jenner@hokh.co.uk.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.