Eastbourne nursing home praises staff in coronavirus crisis

Manor Hall Nursing Home in Borough Lane, Old Town, looks after more than 40 patients.

Paul Taylor from South Care Homes Ltd, which runs the facility, said this week the situation the home found itself in was similar to many hospitals and care homes during the current crisis all over the country.

Mr Taylor said that when two patients showed symptoms of the Covid-19 virus, they were kept in isolation and treated by staff wearing PPE.

He said, “Unfortunately a further resident showed symptoms a few days after this and at that stage part of the home was segregated and turned it into an isolation unit with a dedicated staff compliment and full PPE equipment was provided.

“The isolation unit worked separately from the rest of the home. Sadly two of the three residents later died and one very poorly lady remarkably recovered. “Since then Manor Hall has had no further cases although like all homes it is impossible to say whether we will remain clear until the end of this crisis. Staff are vigilant and are wearing their PPE to protect the residents and each other from transmission of the virus.

“On the subject of our staff particularly at Manor Hall but generally all staff in hospitals, health care and social care services in our area, these are truly remarkable people.

“They are tired, anxious for themselves and their own families, and under great pressure.

“But they are also dedicated, determined, brave and caring and have not given up on each other or the people in their care. So help them, providers and managers who need volunteers, carers, nurses, non-care staff, PPE especially coveralls, suits, facemasks, gloves, goggles and so on, not just us of course and not next week or the week after, but now. A week is an eternity in the context of this crisis.

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