How have Jesmond care homes been coping with Covid-19?
Just 1% of all England & Wales Covid-19 registered deaths in care homes were recorded in Newcastle upon Tyne, according to the latest data published by ONS.
But while that percentage may sound small, it represents 109 deaths that have been recorded in care homes in our city up to 29th May, 2020. JesmondLocal spoke to nursing homes in Jesmond to find out how they are coping with the pandemic, to see if they have sufficient medical equipment, supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) and to ask if they have begun taking new admissions again.
Fleming Court
At the time we contacted Fleming Court on Burdon Terrace, it had recorded no cases of Covid-19 and said it did not face shortages in PPE nor supplies.
A spokesperson for the home said: “We have all the medical equipment, PPE, and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike.”
The care home praised its staff for rising to the challenge “by showing huge dedication to the residents” and also relatives “for their ongoing support and understanding”.
It says round-the clock-support has been provided for all staff and a “comprehensive coronavirus contingency plan is in place” to protect residents and staff.
With the government easing lockdown restrictions across the UK, Fleming Court says it has decided to review their policy. The spokesperson said: “We are pleased to be able to ease the restrictions on visits and welcome our relatives back to our homes from [the week commencing 15th June].
“The visits will be introduced gradually, responsibly and conducted in accordance with government guidance in order to continue to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents, colleagues and relatives. Our visits will be kept to outdoor spaces, and observe two-metre social distancing.”
Cestria House
Cestria House on Sanderson Road would not comment on whether any of its residents had contracted Covid-19. A spokesperson for the care home said: “It’s a decision that was made to respect the privacy of the residents and their families.”
Unlike many care homes across the UK, Cestria House says it did not admit any patients with Covid-19 during this period and has not face PPE shortages as it “ensured we had sufficient [PPE] in place before the lockdown began”.
Contrasting the decision to ease lockdown restrictions in Fleming Court, the spokesperson for Cestria House said “nothing will change” for the moment with regards to easing lockdown measures. “We will, as we have done throughout, be following the guidelines and making changes as and when we are permitted to do so.”
The care home praised its “heroic staff” and “are very grateful” for their hard work in keeping the spirits of the residents high.
Craghall Care Home:
Craghall Care Home on Matthew Bank, operated by Wellburn Care Homes, has yet to respond to our questions. A statement on its website reads: “Every new admission will be tested for Covid-19 regardless of whether they are showing symptoms or not” and states that only those who tested negative will be admitted.
The statement, signed by Wellburn chair Rachel Beckett, says that, “from the get-go, we implemented a comprehensive contingency plan that was robust, well thought-out and decisive”. She added that “all 14 of our homes have so far been relatively unscathed.”
The full statement is available online.
Wordsworth House
Likewise, Wordsworth House on Clayton Road, which is operated by Akari Care, has yet to reply to our questions. However, a statement issued by Akari Care on 13th May reads: “We do not consider that amendments to the Government’s guidance will change the day-to-day operations of any of our homes which will continue to remain closed to all non-essential visits.”
No further update has been given. However, we understand from social media posts that Wordsworth House received hand sanitisers and face masks from Neuvan and face mask extenders and donations from Derma UK.
In a separate incident, Sandra Huggan, a 64-year old carer at Wordsworth House passed away following a heart attack on her way to work on 15th April 2020. A statement from Akari said: “Sandra was an integral part of Wordsworth House and wider Akari Care team. Sandra will be forever missed.”
A fundraiser for a ‘memory garden’ has been setup to honour her memory and 28 years of dedication to Wordsworth House.
We also contacted Newcastle City Council to find out how it was supporting care homes in the region. We have not yet received a response.