Buxton care home residents are reunited with loved ones

Residents of Portland Nursing Home in Buxton are able to see their relatives in person again for the first time since lockdown.

The new measures in place at Portland Nursing Home enabled relatives to meet face to face, in a safe environment.

Like many other care homes, Portland closed its doors to all but essential visitors at the start of the pandemic to protect its residents.

The home is following strict safety procedures, with all visits being carefully organised by the manager in the garden where families observe the two-metre social distancing rule.

Kaye Fogarty, home manager at Portland, said: “This has been an incredibly hard time for everyone, so it’s wonderful to be able to introduce socially-distanced visits into Portland.

“Residents have really missed seeing their relatives face to face regularly, so we’re overjoyed to make this happen again in a safe environment.

“We can already see the positive impact it’s having, and it has given a much-needed boost to many of our residents and their families.

“Residents have told us how much they appreciate still being able to go about their daily routines and spend time with each other and now with their families, albeit still at a distance.”

Staff have worked hard to ensure that residents have had regular contact with their families by phone or video call, but close- up, face to face conversations have not been possible.

Among the residents thrilled to be able to have visitors again was Suzanne Edwards, who was delighted to see her brother-in- law, Michael.

Suzanne said: “It was so nice to get out in the sunshine with family!”

Relatives of other residents also added that: “It was so nice to see our loved ones, and they looked really well, warm and well cared for.”

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission have rated the home good across all areas of operation (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led).

The home is now welcoming new residents who will receive nursing care around the clock from a dedicated team.

For further information, or to take a tour of its facilities, call 01298 23040 or visit www.portlandnursinghome.co.uk