Celebration as care homes receive second vaccination

BELMONT Villa and Greenhill Grange, family owned and run care homes in Frome since 1984, have celebrated being the first care homes in Somerset to receive their second vaccine for Covid-19.

Residents and staff received their second vaccination on Wednesday 24th February. a team from Frome Medical Practice successfully vaccinated 111 staff and residents at the nursing home, as part of their second vaccination roll out to all Frome care homes last week.

Manager of Greenhill Grange Melissa Twohig said, “It has been a wonderful day, we have all been so excited this week, the day was another truly memorable one and I’m sure we will be talking about it for some time. It was like a party, a historic moment for us all. Frome Medical Practice have been fantastic in their support and delivery of the vaccinations.

“We set up a one-way system throughout the building; first a check in  point to complete necessary paperwork, then proceeding to the vaccination room. It was carried out with privacy and dignity.

“Once vaccinated we recovered in an observation area, where staff and residents could enjoy a cup of tea and homemade cake. Each person then received a bunch of daffodils to remind us all brighter days are ahead.It really was a celebration.”

Sharon Welsh, manager of Belmont villa said, “As a family we are so thankful to have remained safe within our homes, our staff have just been so amazing and cooperative. They really have been the true meaning of a family home. Staff supported individual residents, sitting with them and having their vaccinations at the same time.

“We were also able to use technology which meant family members could be part of the celebration and be on video call when their loved one was being vaccinated, giving encouragement and cheering. We are so grateful to the relatives of our residents for supporting us and being patient over the past year, we hope the end is in sight.

“Staff and residents gave a standing ovation applauding the team from Frome Medical Practice as they left the building, we all felt very emotional that we have reached this historic milestone.

“Throughout the day we asked residents what having the second dose means to them.”

Audrey Stacey said, “Well I’m 94 , I hope this means the end. It’s very lonely but I’m lucky all the staff here are really nice. It is no good moaning about it, that’s life and we have to get on with it. Over the lock down I have become a telly addict, I like watching things being made and old houses done up.”

Christine Catchpole said,  “I’m very pleased to have had it, I will be able to go out and go shopping. I am looking forward to seeing my daughter.”

Phyllis Sealey said, Maybe I will live forever now, I wasn’t worried about catching the virus because I know if I was in here I would be ok, I have confidence in them here. My son lives in Yorkshire so I’ve only been able to see him on face to face time, hopefully I will be able to see him in person soon.”

Janet Smith has worked within the homes for 17 years, she said, “We are all really pleased to have been able to have had the second vaccination, it’s reassuring for us that we will have some immunity. It has been a lovely day and a lovely touch from our management with a bunch of daffodils for each of us to look forward to brighter days. I am really looking forward to seeing families coming back inside the home, I am sure it will be very emotional for us all.”