How Forest Town care home coped after 'tragically' losing 10 residents to Covid-19

Hard-working staff at a Forest Town care home have been hailed for coping ‘magnificently’ during the ‘challenging and painful time’ of the pandemic in which 10 residents tragically died of Covid 19.

By Dale Spridgeon

Published 16th Mar 2021, 12:28 BST

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They all lost their lives to the virus at Red Oaks Care Community on Clipstone Road West where staff have worked ‘tirelessly, above and beyond’ the call of duty throughout the crisis.

Now Red Homes chief executive Roger Daniel has paid tribute to their ‘exceptional’ efforts after an energy-sapping year.

“The last 12 months has been hugely challenging for everyone at Red Oaks,” said Mr Daniel.

Roger Daniel, chief executive of Red Homes which has a facility in Forest Town.

Roger Daniel, chief executive of Red Homes which has a facility in Forest Town.

"Our teams worked tirelessly and around the clock to continue providing optimum levels of care, with enhanced re-training needed in all areas of infection control. Staff also had to put into practice daily guidance updates from CQC, NHS England and Government,

“It was a huge learning curve for some, above their day-to-day roles, but they coped magnificently and we’re so proud of them.”

Mr Daniel also revealed how staff have had to ‘remain resilient to the emotional knock on-effects of the closed-door policy’ during the crisis, which had a ‘big impingement’ on the personal freedom of residents and families.

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“In January 2021, after having weathered some of the darkest days of the Covid-19 storm, half of our regular workforce needed time off and two key personnel were admitted to intensive care, he said.

"In a six-week period, we tragically lost 10 residents to Covid-19. We hope to never to navigate our way through the waters of a pandemic again.

"Staff, residents and the wider Forest Town community were extremely supportive.

"I thank our staff who provided exemplary care for our residents and continuous support for the families, no matter what Covid-19 put in their way, also the CQC, local authorities, infection control and visiting care professionals for their ongoing assistance and advice in these unprecedented times.

“We look forward to a time in the near future when we can hold family events in our beautiful homes and gardens once again.”

Red Homes, which also has facilities in Newark and Grantham, says it has not experienced a ‘significant fall in occupancy levels’ during the pandemic due to its ‘exceptional care’ and ‘successful management of Covid-19’.

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