A hospice has finally secured a regular supply of PPE but says staff still need to be "very alert" and "can never let standards drop".

Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford helps more than 880 terminally ill people, both at the inpatient unit and in their homes.

KMTV speaks to staff and residents at Heart of Kent Hospice

Life at the Preston Hall centre has changed dramatically since the coronavirus outbreak, with visitors and services limited to keep patients and staff as safe as possible.

Those at the hospice now feel much safer after securing weekly PPE drop-offs, but it hasn't always been this way.

Patient services director Kerry Harrison says the hospice had issues with getting enough protecting equipment until recently.

She said: "It's not been the fact that we've not had it - it's been around the supply chain and securing a regular delivery of PPE.

"We've had to rely on local support from companies who have donated PPE to us, but thanks to Hospice UK and the work they've done with the Government we've now got a regular, weekly PPE drop."

However, this doesn't mean strict social distancing and hygiene standards should be relaxed.

Nurse Lara Evans explains how staff have to remain on constant alert.

She said: "We are mindful all the time - we have to keep distance as much as possible - we can never let our standards drop. We just have to be very alert and very aware and as clean and sterile as possible.

"I feel we are doing the best we can under the circumstances."

The outbreak has been a huge concern for residents too, but they say they appreciate those looking after them.

One resident Valerie Gray, who suffers from spinal pain and has been unable to walk properly for two years, said: "I started getting very depressed - the pain was excruciating - of course all doctors are busy and things have changed at the surgeries - I couldn't get the right medication to help the pain so that's why I came here.

"You get regular meals - the food is good. They're marvellous. Little angels I say - they haven't got halos made big enough for them."

To donate to Heart of Kent Hospice, which is at risk of closure due because of a funding crisis brought on by the pandemic, click here.

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