Covid vaccine joy at Mansfield care home

Staff at the Sanctuary Supported LivingCorner House care home on St Margaret Street, attended Kings Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield to be given their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Corner House provides residential care and support for adults with a range of learning disabilities and complex needs, who can sadly be at an increased risk of contracting coronavirus.

Prior to the pandemic, the residents were able to enjoy a busy social life including day trips, holidays and visits to the theatre.

The roll-out of the vaccination programme means that everyone at Corner House can begin to look forward to some return to normality in the future.

Jo Hardwick, local service manager, explained how straightforward the whole process was, with temperatures taken on arrival, producing ID and filling in a form.

She said: “It took an hour in total including a short wait, a consultation with a doctor, the jab itself and then a 15-minute wait afterwards.

"My arm was a little sore, but none of us have felt any other side effects.”

"As well as protecting the residents, staff are delighted about the protection the vaccine will offer their wider families.

Danny Hendrie, a senior support worker, and his wife, Lizzie, are expecting their first child in April and he was unsure if he’d be able to be with her in hospital.

Danny said; “I was very keen to have my jab as it increases the chances of me being allowed in to support Lizzie for longer when she has our baby.

"My vaccination sticker now has pride of place on my work lanyard.”

Jo added: “There’s a lot of information to read out there, but it’s important that you take it from proper sources.

"Take time to consider the facts and think about other people around you.”

Corner House was rated ‘outstanding’ on its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information about Sanctuary Supported Living’s disability services, visit the group’s website, read residents’ stories or search for a disability service near you.