MOUNTBATTEN'S chief executive has warned the charity could be forced to cut future services, as it stands to lose at least £1 million due to the coronavirus.

Nigel Hartley pointed to cancelled fundraising events and shop closures.

He urged Islanders to donate, through Mountbatten's coronavirus appeal, saying: “We need your support more than ever."

Read more:Coronavirus: Walk the Wight cancelled ­— but virtual alternative offered

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Nigel Hartley said: “Potentially, we are facing a huge loss of income and we are really concerned about what that could mean for us in the future.

“We currently have no other place to go for help than to our local community.

“Despite that, we still have to use our extensive expertise around end of life care to help our Island through this virus, as this is absolutely the right thing to do.

“We are responding to the need that is there right now because this virus sits at the heart of our business of death, dying and bereavement, but for us to do that, and continue our usual work caring for people who are still dying without coronavirus, we need help.

"We cannot have an Island without Mountbatten" - Nigel Hartley 

“We cannot have an Island without Mountbatten, and it is an increasing reality we will have to scale back services In the future, unless the Island community can donate what they can now to make the difference in the weeks and months ahead.”

Isle of Wight County Press:

Mountbatten in Newport

In the last two weeks, Mountbatten’s community teams have increased home visits, including care and support for those with Covid-19 symptoms, the charity says.

Its end of life care team continues to support patients and Mountbatten’s hospital team has extended its service to cater for more NHS beds, which will be available for people dying with the coronavirus.

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Walk the Wight has been cancelled

Mountbatten is also training staff and volunteers from the NHS, together with members of the public, to develop end of life care skills and knowledge.

A series of videos have been produced to show simple tasks, such as putting on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safely, the proper way to ensure good hand hygiene and infection control and how to support people who are dying and bereaved. 

A new 24/7 Keep Connected helpline has received many calls from worried Islanders, particularly during the night. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

Read more: Mountbatten takes shops online to protect staff and customers

A helpline, staffed by Mountbatten’s psychology and bereavement team, has been set up for frontline healthcare workers.

A COVID-19 advice section has been set up on Mountbatten’s website where training, information and resources will continue to be added.

Nigel Hartley said: “Please donate what you can to help us get through the current crisis and to ensure we are here for our Island community into the future.”