What we do
St Columba’s Hospice Care provides hospice and end-of-life care for people with incurable illnesses and their families. COVID-19 has changed the way that we all live and work, but the Hospice Team continues to offer our services to those who need it most, no matter where they are across Edinburgh and the Lothians – be that at home, in care settings or at the Hospice.
The health and wellbeing of our patients, families, workforce and hospice community is always our number one priority.
If you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you are required to be isolating or under quarantine you will not be permitted to visit the Hospice. This applies to all visitors, staff, suppliers and volunteers.
Face coverings must be worn by all staff, volunteers and visitors on entering the main Hospice building.
This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone but we also must ensure everyone’s ongoing safety. We have been working hard to develop our services with the compassion and quality you know, whilst adapting to provide care in new and inclusive ways. Please click on the button below to view our current visiting guidelines.
Please read our latest guidelines before visiting
Our services
We are continuing to offer our community new, flexible and person-centred services, working to ensure we provide care to those who need it the most, where they need it.
We have put services in place that are most vital to our families during COVID-19, following the latest Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland guidelines. We also have a new Access Team, making our services available by phone and online. From making referrals to getting the support that you and your family need, we are there for you.
Expert advice is available to patients, families and health professionals Monday to Friday on Tel: 0131 551 7751 (0900 to 1600)
Our servicesOur services
We are continuing to offer our community new, flexible and person-centred services, working to ensure we provide care to those who need it the most, where they need it.
We have put services in place that are most vital to our families during COVID-19, following the latest Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland guidelines. We also have a new Access Team, making our services available by phone and online. From making referrals to getting the support that you and your family need, we are there for you.
Expert advice is available to patients, families and health professionals Monday to Friday on Tel: 0131 551 7751 (0900 to 1600)
Our servicesWe support patients and families over the phone and with Virtual Consultations via a secure video call, as well as in person as an outpatient or in your own home where essential.
We use the NHS system Attend Anywhere/Near Me. Information about the system and compatible devices can be found here. Consultations will be pre-arranged by phone with one of our team and full instructions on how to use the system will be provided.
We have launched a Family Support page with resources to help you cope through difficult times. You will find information here for family members, friends and carers, including advice on how to explain incurable illness to children, managing with restrictions on visiting loved ones, how to access support and counselling, and resources on coping with bereavement.
Family SupportWe have been thinking about how we can safely reflect, celebrate and remember loved ones within the current government guidelines this Christmas. We will quietly light up trees in Charlotte Square and Haddington House garden where our families and wider community can enjoy them in their own time.
You can dedicate a light in memory of a loved one on our Tree of Remembrance and, by doing so, help to support the Hospice through our Light up a life appeal.
Dedicate a lightCOVID-19 has changed the way that we live, work and fundraise! Many of our events this Summer have been postponed so your support of our new initiatives, through your donations and by taking part in fundraising from home, is hugely appreciated.
82p of every £1 is spent directly on patient care with the other 18p going towards raising the next £1. So, the generosity of our community of supporters directly helps us to maintain our invaluable services for the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Thank you very much for your support.
You can donate right now£10 could provide a little box of thoughts to help a child through bereavement.
Donate now£20 could provide one hour of specialist Hospice at Home training for a family carer.
Donate now£35 could pay for one hour of specialist nurse-led pain & symptom control for an outpatient.
Donate now£150 could pay for a day of palliative care education for care home and homeless shelter staff.
Donate nowGift Aid it! If you are a UK taxpayer, your donation could qualify for gift aid and increase its value by 25%.
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I think the word I’d use for the support I’ve received is grateful. This place is brilliant.
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If anyone was in any way unsure about staying at the Hospice, I would say there’s nothing to worry about. Everybody is so friendly and happy: you’re treated like royalty.
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I think back to my first thoughts and how wrong they were and if anyone else was feeling that way or scared about what to expect I’d tell them don’t be daft, get in there!
Help raise much-needed financial support so we can provide more people with the best hospice care. We have lots of ideas and fun new virtual fundraising events to take part in. Whether you enjoy taking exercise, baking, crafts or quizzes we have something for you!
Find out moreLegacy giving
Leaving a legacy gift to St Columba’s in your Will helps ensure more people receive the very best hospice care available.
Find out more
Remember a loved one this Christmas, dedicate a light on our Tree of Remembrance. By doing so, you will help to support the Hospice through our Light up a life appeal.
