Stringent precautions at Whitby care home keep Covid-19 out

A small group of staff at the home, led by Registered Manager Alison Bedford and Deputy Manager Megan Collis, have now been effectively “locked-in” for over a month.

The two managers elected to work without days-off to ensure continuity and maintain motivation. They have now worked for 45 of the last 46 days.

Several staff are living away from their own families at the nearby Saxonville Hotel to further reduce risks to the more than 30 vulnerable adults who live in the home.

Team members initially worked 12 hour shifts for 7 straight days, however, this has subsequently changed to shorter runs of up to four days. Many staff say they feel Peregrine House is probably safer than their own home.

There was a minor celebration at day seven and a bigger celebration at day 14 when there were no symptoms of Covid-19 within the care home.

The team have maintained their spirits and those of the residents throughout the month with the help of warm sunny weather and donations of cakes and Easter eggs from companies including Botham’s, the Co-op and Sainsbury to whom the whole team, the residents and their loved ones would like to send their thanks.

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