Staff and residents in Midlothian care homes welcome vaccination joy

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Archview Lodge care home in Dalkeith received the vaccination at the home.

At Barchester’s Archview Lodge care home in Dalkeith, getting the vaccination has lifted spirits after what has been a very challenging year for everyone.

General Manager, Sarah Thomson said: “Last year was a year like no other and the vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.

"Our teams have been magnificent in how they have risen to every challenge during this pandemic and we are proud to play our part in this next phase to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.”

Katherine Flavel, a resident at Loanhead care home Pine Villa.

Sally Burnette, staff member at Archview said: “I am so pleased to be given the vaccine. It will help to keep our residents safe, and is the first step in getting things back to normal and having a buzz of visitors in the home once again.”

Pine Villa in Loanhead, operated by Mansfield Care, has also completed the vaccination programme.

Resident, Katherine Flavel (88), received her vaccine on January 14 and hopes to see her family of four children, seven grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren soon.

She said: “My vaccine went very well. The process went smoothly and all the staff worked together to support us through it. We all enjoyed a nice cuppa afterwards.

“I miss my family, and I hope this vaccine will mean I get to see them soon. I would recommend everyone to get the vaccine.”

Mansfield Care chief executive officer Andrew Hume said: “It’s been a difficult year for everyone, so to have the vaccination programme fully completed with the full support of our staff and residents has been an incredible lift.

“Our philosophy that ‘small is key’ has been integral to keeping our residents and staff safe, while maintaining an optimal level of care throughout the pandemic.

“At this stage we cannot predict how the virus will mutate, and what impact that will have on our community, but we are determined to cover all bases and maintain the safety of everyone in our care homes. Again we would like to thank our incredible staff who have worked tirelessly over this turbulent period, and our residents for their continued diligence and patience.”