Coronavirus isolation unit opens at Wigan borough care home

A borough care home has opened a dedicated coronavirus isolation unit to ease the pressure on the NHS and help prevent the spread of the illness.
Bedford Care Home in LeighBedford Care Home in Leigh
Bedford Care Home in Leigh

Care home operator ADVINIA Health Care has responded to calls from the Department of Health and Social Care for ways to free up hospital space, boost critical care capacity and reduce the cross-infection that happened in the first wave of the pandemic.

The care provider, which has around 3,300 beds across the UK, has now opened the unit at Bedford Care Home in Leigh.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is one of several units at its homes across the North and Midlands, which will be inspected by the Care Quality Commission.

Each will be staffed with a dedicated team, with no cross-over with the existing facilities, and to maximise infection control there are dedicated access points and all ancillary services, including food and laundry, will be sourced separately and under strict procedures.

Visiting pods have been installed for the safe interaction of families and residents in a comfortable environment.

Chairman and founder Dr Sanjeev Kanoria, a former NHS liver surgeon and healthcare entrepreneur, said: “The well-being and quality of life of our residents remains our absolute priority. We are doing all we can to ensure that they are as safe and well-cared for as possible during this challenging time. We have consistently demonstrated that, in spite of operating on much tighter budgets, care homes are significantly safer places to be than hospitals for vulnerable people due to the stringent hygiene standards and our committed, well-trained staff.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “Unlike many care operators, we have estates with multiple buildings so we can provide effective isolation units for those discharged from hospitals. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to help our country and the NHS move beyond this challenging time. It is time social and health care came together to work in partnership.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here