Oh, how we’ve missed you!

We are SO HAPPY to let you know that relative visits have commenced, following the news that care homes can welcome back families of residents.

This really is a step in the right direction but we must abide by strict social distancing guidelines which means the visits won’t be as they normally would, full of hugs and kisses and unlimited time, however we have ensured they will bring you something more than the window visits and FaceTime calls we’ve all become accustomed to.

Lucy Craig, our Managing Director, said: “I really am over the moon to reach this stage. Although it’s not what visits were like pre COVID-19, they will allow residents and their loved ones to spend a good amount of time together face-to-face, something which we haven’t had for what seems like an eternity now. We really have worked hard to put in place a carefully considered visiting plan that prioritises the health and safety of our residents but also visitors. Things are moving in the right direction and I am so proud of how everyone – staff, residents and their families – has coped with these surreal times. I can’t wait to see you all!”

Below, we’ve outlined the strict procedure that West Farm Care Centre visitors must follow, at all times as we slowly return to normal.

• Visitors must wear face coverings at all times.
• Visiting is by appointment only. Please can Gillian Campbell on 0191 218 9696 and she will book you in to visit your loved one in our specially arranged visiting room.
• Before your visit starts, a short COVID-19 questionnaire must be completed.
• Relative visits will take place on 3 days a week only – every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
• The visits are 30 minutes long with a 15-minute gap in between to spray and disinfect the room ready for the next visitor. Visiting times will start from 9.30am to 12 midday, then 130pm to 4pm, then 5pm to 7pm.
• Due to space restrictions, unfortunately only one designated family member is able to visit a resident.
• Before your visiting times starts, please arrive at the main entrance where you will use our foot bath, wash your hands, and spray your clothes with a specifically designed spray to kill the COVID-19 virus. Your temperature will also be taken.
• A member of staff will then take you down to the room where your loved one will already be waiting. It’s really important that you remain two metres away from your relative even though we realise how agonising this is.
• Following the end of your visit, you will leave via the side fire exit door through the side gate onto the car park.
• Your loved one is then taken to wash their hands and taken back to their unit/floor and the table, chairs will be wiped down and the chairs cleaned before the next visitor arrives.

It is really important that visitors do not come out of the designated room therefore a member of staff will be outside to ensure that if any help is required they are there to assist.

Visitor Responsibilities

• Please do not visit when you are unwell or displaying any signs of a cold/flu, respiratory or COVID-19 symptoms.
• It’s crucial than each visitor responds truthfully to COVID-19 screening questions asked by the questionnaire.
• Please do not bring children under 16 to visits.
• Please avoid travelling to West Farm on public transport wherever possible.
• Gifts and other items for your loved one can be given but need to be handed to the member of staff who greets you first so that they can be wiped or washed down before the resident receives them.

Thank you so much for your cooperation; it will be so lovely to welcome you back into our home!