Kentish Express Ashford & District
Home taking good care of my husband
I would like to comment on the article regarding Sevington Mill Lane Care Home (‘Unhygienic, Understaffed And Patients Are At Risk’, KE, February 2).
My husband has been resident there for four years and I spend time with him at least twice a week, and at no time do I feel he has been neglected or ‘at risk’.
There have been a few minor issues, but these have been dealt with very quickly. In fact I actually chose to go to Sevington for respite following an operation last year and was very happy.
Over the past few months I have been aware of a number of improvements taking place and believe these to be ongoing.
The staff are hardworking, dedicated, have empathy and are very caring. All the staff are friendly and welcoming and I look on them as my friends as well as my husband’s carers.
The new manager, Jane Yuill, although fairly new to Sevington, is hardworking and is determined to turn things in the right direction, but like anyone taking on a new venture, it will take time.
Regarding hygiene and infection risks, this is a possibility in any care home or hospital. Closing Sevington would create a larger problem. Where would the residents be ‘pushed out’ to? Already care homes are overcrowded and there are not enough for our aging population.
Some probably wouldn’t survive a move and would get very stressed and unhappy.
Sevi ngton has had some residents for many years, some of the staff have also been there a number of years, this must mean something. If people are not happy with a situation they will move on.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) should not go out with a clipboard and pen and tick boxes, but be prepared to actually work in the homes they are inspecting for at least two to three days before passing an opinion. Mrs P. Richardson, Park Farm, Kingsnorth, Ashford parking in the road outside their homes in protest. This would slow the traffic down. I for one would be very much in favour of starting an action group to wake up these councillors and get the police to do the job they are paid for. Dudley Mallett, High Halden circumstances and nothing is too much bother. We are very lucky to live in Ashford. Mary Anne Pitt, Ashford