Homes urge families to stay away if possible
THE owner of 11 Southport care homes has warned family and friends of residents against visiting as the coronavirus outbreak continues to grow.
A letter signed by the managing director, Sam Jacob, asks that people only visit Dovehaven care homes “if your loved one is receiving end of life care”.
In his letter, Mr Jacob says: “We recognise and acknowledge that this could be quite distressing, but we have a duty to protect our residents who are the most vulnerable and susceptible members of our community to this deadly virus.
“Please be assured this decision has not been taken lightly and we will continue to to closely monitor this evolving situation and engage with all relative authorities and update you accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Barchester Care Homes, which runs more than 200 care homes in the UK – including Sutton Grange in Banks – and has more than 11,000 residents, sent a letter to residents, patients and visitors saying “as a preventative measure, we are asking visitors, including family members and friends, to stop routinely visiting our care homes and hospitals until further notice. We have not taken this decision lightly and appreciate that this may cause some discomfort, but feel this is a necessary step to take.”
The letter said that “external entertainment” had been cancelled and relatives must speak to the general manager of each home before making “non-routine visits”.