KIND PUPILS TACKLING LONELINESS
Grandma who works in care home gets Covid vaccine
A STAFFORDSHIRE Moorlands carer who fought Covid-19 last year has spoken of her relief at getting the vaccination.
Sheila Thorley, aged 71, from Cheadle, works at Rocester nursing home on Barrowhill Hall. Last year she fought for her life against coronavirus, but is now happy to be back caring for residents.
Sheila has been a member of staff at Barrowhill Hall for more than 20 years, working nights in the ‘Dove House’ section of the specialist dementia care and nursing home. After contracting Covid-19, she was forced to take five weeks off work to recover.
She said: “I was so ill with Covid. It was awful and it took me a long time to get my strength back.
“It felt like I was off work for ages and it was so nice to see everyone again once I was able to return. I love my job as I love caring for the residents, and I was so happy to get back.”
More than 40 staff from the 74-bed home have now been vaccinated at sessions held at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium. Vaccinations for residents at Barrowhill Hall have also taken place.
Among the staff is Sheila’s granddaughter, Lauren Titterton, who has been there for seven years after being inspired by her grandmother to work at Barrowhill Hall.
The family duo work alternative shifts at Dove House, with Lauren in the day and Sheila taking over at night.
Lauren said: “I live with nan and when she had Covid I had to isolate as well. I was so worried, but I looked after her and we managed to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Nan is thrilled to be feeling better and to be back caring for residents, it’s really reassuring to know that she has been vaccinated.”
Home manager, Matthew Whitfield, said: “We’re very happy and relieved that vaccinations have been taking place and that they happened sooner than anticipated.
“The local CCG and GP practice have been really helpful, seamlessly and faultlessly arranging for the vaccinations to take place.”