Following the recent government announcement we will be introducing new visiting arrangements from March 8th where they are supported by local public health directors.
Our homes will be allowing pre-booked, limited duration indoor visits for one constant, named visitor. The visitor must obtain a negative LFT test at the time of their visit and must wear an apron, gloves and approved surgical mask provided by the home. Handholding has been accepted to be safe, but regrettably hugging and kissing has not.
Visiting arrangements will always be subject to levels of risk in individual homes and are subject to change whilst Covid remains at relatively high levels in the community.
When individual homes are able to provide the necessary staffing to ensure everyone’s safety, they will facilitate garden pod visits and window visits in addition.
Meeting all safety requirements during visiting will pose significant resourcing challenges at all of our homes, and it may take time to provide everyone with a visiting opportunity. But we fully recognise the strong desire and benefit of visits for residents and for their families. So our homes will be doing their utmost to facilitate as many visits as possible, safely.
First vaccinations have been delivered in all of our homes and we are progressing to second vaccinations when they are available.
We are enormously grateful for the understanding and support that we have received and continue to receive from the families and friends of residents.