Covid vaccinations given at home

The home arranged for each resident to pair up with a staff member while having their injections in order to support one another through the vaccination process.

Home Manager, Paula Mountjoy, visited an immunisation hub three weeks ago and was able to receive her second dose of the vaccine on Tuesday, becoming the first person in Wetherby to complete the course.

She said: “This year has been a real challenge for everyone but we have always had faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the availability of a vaccine has been our continued hope that we will return to normal.

“The Registered Nurses who came to complete the vaccinations have been amazing and the process was fast and efficient.

“We just can’t wait to feel safe in the knowledge that our residents are protected from this virus, as that has been the most important thing to us throughout.”

She added: “Our staff have been inspirational throughout the pandemic – not just for the way they have worked together to protect their residents but also for how quickly and efficiently they have responded to numerous new guidelines over the last few months.

“It is an emotional moment to be able to take this positive step together in the fight against coronavirus.”

Practice Manager Helen Quiney, along with Registered Nurses from Westgate Medical Surgery, attended the home and carried out the vaccinations this week.

Resident Brian Green, who has lived at Windsor Court since May 2019, said: “I feel privileged to be one of the first to have the vaccine, it has been something that has been a long time coming, but I think patience is a virtue.

“The whole day went smoothly and was very well organised. I am very grateful to everyone at Windsor Court and to the lovely nurses from Westgate Surgery who distributed our jabs.

“I am looking forward to receiving my next jab in a few weeks, as regular facetime calls with my son have been great, but nothing beats a good hug.”

Windsor Court, operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home boasting a hair salon, café, cinema and convenience store.