A NURSING manager has urged the public not to forget the service provided by care homes during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Lawns Nursing Home in the Main Road, Kempsey, provides a variety of care, including end of life.

Melanie Dawson, registered manager at the home said: “Much of the attention is put on NHS staff and it’s justified but care workers in places like this place are working hard, not just this company but all companies in Worcestershire and beyond.

“I’ve been a nurse for 36 years and what we’re experiencing in the caring industry is unprecedented - everyone is feeling anxious and under pressure.

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“For residents, my staff struggle to get toiletries as supermarkets limit items per shopper so that’s hard and when carers show their ID cards during key worker times at supermarkets, they get turned away as they are not NHS staff.”

Measures have been stepped up since the first hint of coronavirus, including hourly cleaning of frequently used surfaces - such as hand rails - in the building.

Mrs Dawson added: “I put a double order in for personal protective equipment before the virus really hit but we’re still struggling.

“Last week, 300 masks arrived but if just one resident came down with the virus, those would only last six days.

“One resident had to use Worcester Wheels to get to hospital to have her plaster cast removed, as patient transport has been cancelled.

“We are keeping residents in touch with family by using the things like Skype as that’s important.

“In terms of end of life care, I don’t want family members saying their last goodbyes through a window or standing outside waving signs - this is not dignified so family are allowed to see their loved one inside the home when the time comes.

“We are working as a team to get through this together, trying our best to stop the virus coming into the home because it would be detrimental to every one of our residents if it did.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has written an open letter of thanks to social care workers for everything they have done in response to the coronavirus outbreak, saying “Many of the people you care for will be in groups that are at higher risk from Covid-19 and I know that you will have naturally felt concerned for them.

“Thank you."