The Government’s care minister took a virtual tour of a Solihull care home for military veterans.
Helen Whately met staff and residents at Royal Star and Garter in Solihull during a virtual tour of the care home.
During her 45 minute talk with home manager Cheryl Harbourne Ms Whately discussed the successful Covid vaccine roll out at the Tudor Coppice home, which has seen every current resident vaccinated, and 89per cent of staff – a figure expected to rise further.
The Minister was also told about the lock-ins at the home, where staff moved in for two- and one-week periods respectively, to help keep residents safe; and how they had coped when a few residents did test positive with the virus.
Cheryl said: “We’ve put in a lot of effort explaining to staff the importance of the vaccine.
“There were some that needed more support, but we were able to provide them with lots of information and leaflets to put their mind at ease, and our GP wrote to staff as well.”
Speaking after the visit Ms Whately said: “I know that staff at Royal Star and Garter care homes have gone the extra mile throughout the pandemic and now supporting the vaccine roll out.
“That was abundantly clear when I dropped in for a virtual visit, and spoke to some of those residents and staff myself.
“I want to thank them for their incredible dedication and hard work.
“The vaccination programme is continuing at pace to offer the first dose to all in the top four priority groups – including health and social care staff – by mid-February.”
