GREAT NEWS
To All Colin's Friends & Relatives,
Betty & myself are proud to report that Banstead Manor Care Home holds a 100% record with no loss of Residents as experienced in many other Care Homes. This is great news and we are so proud of Banstead Manor Management who have all their Health & Safety procedures well in place.
Every week Mr. David Stallard, General Manager provides weekly reports with I have listed below for you to read. Our Colin and all Residents are well looked after at Banstead Manor and thanks to the superb management and caring staff.
Best regards - Benny & Betty
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1st
July 2020
Dear Betty & Benny
Following our last weekly update, we
are pleased to inform you that we continue to have no confirmed or possible
Covid-19 cases at Banstead Manor.
As previously communicated, we have excellent
team and PPE levels and continue to follow robust infection control measures.
From Monday 6th July we are also pleased to report that all of our
team will be tested weekly and our residents tested monthly as we have been
selected to become a part of an exclusive pilot scheme endorsed by the
Department of Health and Social Care.
Banstead.reception@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk with VISITING SUITE in the subject
line.
Please
note any visit must be booked electronically in advance. We can only facilitate
5 visits per day for the duration of 40 minutes to allow us time to effectively
clean the area in-between visits. Only confirmed bookings will be permitted.
Therefore, if we are unable to meet demand, we will always try to ensure
fairness when allocating visit places so be prepared if applications are
limited to one per week.
All
visitors must complete and return electronically a health declaration form (up
to a maximum of 2 if from the same household) prior to a booking is confirmed. I
have also attached our visiting guidelines for your reference which must be
read in advance of your visit to ensure your safety and others.
I am pleased to inform
you that following the launch of our Rels App, which allows relatives to send
their loved ones messages, pictures and videos on a safe and secure network we
have set up a website https://hallmark.relsapp.com/. This details more information if you
would to join or find out more about its different features and we welcome your
feedback on this if you feel more information could be added to this site to
assist you with using the app.
This week we will be reviewing how
group activity can be safely reintroduced at the home but in the meantime, we
have commenced our Banstead Boeing flight around the world in 30-days with the
first leg now enroute to South Africa. With Captain David on the flight deck
and Senior Stewardess Ana busy with residents spending their Dave’s Dollars on
the duty free – what could go wrong!
I would like to end this email by
thanking you for your on-going support and patience during this difficult
period. We appreciate how hard it has been for you to be separated from your
loved one and we look forward to arranging a safe reunion for you both in due
course.
The manager on duty for this week is Veronica
with the exception of Saturday when I will be on the ground between
destinations.
If you still have questions regarding
our management of Covid-19 you can email Coronahelpline@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk.
Yours sincerely,
David
Stallard
General Manager
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
23rd June 2020
Dear Betty & Benny
My I apologise to everyone for the
disruption in communication due to my holiday. It was planned for Veronica to
deputise in my absence but there was a breakdown between the home and Central
Support. A lesson learnt for the next time I take leave!
But that does not diminish the fact
that we are pleased to inform you that we continue to have no confirmed or
possible Covid-19 cases at Banstead Manor.
To ensure the safety of the residents
and team, we continue to test everyone on a regular basis, the next being this
week subject to confirmation. We also continue to follow robust infection
control measures which are in line with Government and Public Health England
advice with adequate PPE levels for the whole team.
We wholeheartedly appreciate that our residents and their
families are missing visits with loved ones, and much time has passed since the
start of the pandemic. We have progressed with the erection of an outdoor
visiting suite in readiness to once again safely restore family visiting into
the home in a controlled manner. This will be our
priority as soon as Government restrictions are lifted.
We apologise
for any distress this may cause but hope
you can appreciate that we have taken this measure to ensure the safety of your
loved ones who remain in the high-risk category for Covid-19. We continue to
follow all current Government and Public Health England guidance closely and
access the situation weekly, we will keep you informed of any developments.
We
had another busy week including an exciting Ascot Race Day where ladies with
handmade fascinators were on show and hampers awarded to Hazel and Jean for the
most wins across the race meeting week. On Sunday we recognised our gentlemen
by celebrating Father’s Day with a dedicated menu of tiger prawns and steak
followed by entertainment from “Everly Others”. There was also a lot of
excitement in Sycamore Mews with the introduction of their very own butterfly
farm – everyone is eagerly awaiting the transformation of chrysalises into
fully fledged butterflies. Watch this space!
This
week will culminate in guest singers “Atlantis” performing in the garden on
Saturday. But in addition to daily exercise classes and regular charades,
everyone is preparing for our amazing Around the World in 30-Days event
scheduled to depart on July 1st. Like any discerning traveller, its
all in the preparations. Hair, nails, accessories to name just a few. So, as
you can see its non-stop in Banstead Manor.
I am always available to you, if you
would like more contact with your loved one or if you have any questions about
their care.
The
manager on duty for this week is myself with the exception of Thursday, when
Veronica will step in.
If you still have questions regarding
our management of Covid-19 you can email Coronahelpline@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk.
Yours
sincerely,
David Stallard
General Manager - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1st June 2020
Dear Betty & Benny
Following our last weekly update, we are happy to report that we have no confirmed or possible Covid-19 cases at Banstead Manor. We are monitoring a total of 4 residents in self isolation who have visited a hospital in the past 14-days purely as a precaution.
Moreover, we are pleased that all of our residents and team have been tested regardless of showing symptoms or not and will be tested again on a regular basis to ensure their safety and others.
We are continuing to take this national pandemic seriously. Our infection control measures are in line with Government and Public Health England advice and as indicated in my previous letters, we continue to have excellent levels of PPE.
Our team levels continue to be sufficient and we continue to recruit to avoid any possible disruptions to the home.
This week we will be celebrating the iconic Donut with its national day Friday 5th June in addition to a range of 1-2-1’s covering Spiritual; Creative; Relaxation; Life Story; Physical Health; Intellectual & Social. Our teams will also be making the most of the warm weather by bringing the beach to Banstead (weather permitting) with Fish & Chip Friday, Posh Dog Saturday and Knickerbocker Glory Sunday
Our home has also decided to take part in A Moment in Time, scheduled for next week on Wednesday 10th June. This is a new event which has been introduced to mark this poignant moment in history by planting an ornamental pear tree in the garden in association with the residents.
Whilst we appreciate this is a difficult and unsettling time for everyone, we want to join together (whilst social distancing) to look towards something positive and celebrate life itself. There will lots of other smaller activities taking place on this day to mark the occasion and if you would like more information about this so you can get involved virtually or otherwise please let me know.
We appreciate much time has passed and how difficult it is to not be able to see your loved right now, so if you would like more contact with your nearest and dearest please do not hesitate to contact Monika who can support with RelsApp, Skype & WhatsApp.
We are moving forward with our planning so that you will be able to see your loved one in a safe and controlled manner as soon as the Government restrictions are lifted, we will keep you updated with our progress.
The health and welfare of our residents remains to be our highest priority and we are following all Government and Public Health England updates closely.
If you have any questions about your loved one’s care, do not hesitate to contact me.
The manager on duty for Monday – Wednesday plus Saturday is myself; Tammy will be available on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. So please contact us if needed.
If you still have questions regarding our management of Covid-19 you can email Coronahelpline@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk.
Yours sincerely,
David Stallard
General Manager
26th
May 2020
Dear Betty & Benny
I hope you had a nice bank holiday weekend!
Following our last weekly update, we
can inform you that none of our residents have Covid-19 following recovery and negative
retests. One resident has shown symptoms in the last week but was also retested
negative. Three other residents have had hospital visits and are being isolated
as a precaution. We continue to have access to testing for residents and team
and are utilising this opportunity whenever appropriate to minimise risks in
the home, in line with
Government and Public Health England advice.
We
have good levels of PPE and as an organisation, this is being managed extremely
successfully.
Our team levels continue to be
sufficient and as the
General Manager of Banstead Manor I am incredibly proud of the whole team’s
efforts during these unprecedented times. Even to the point of acting as
interim hairdresser – much to the delight of residents.
In terms of activities, over the bank
holiday weekend we made the most of the sunshine by celebrating World Bee Day
with the usual Banstead Manor twist – Bee Happy in the Garden. Events included
walks; ‘Pebbles of Hope’ painting; Budd Head Making; Sunflower painting; Bird
watching; Afternoon Honey treats and culminating in Monday’s Picnic Lunch with
music. All practiced within outside social distancing guidelines.
This
week we will be celebrating National Biscuit Day by arranging to collect
residents favourite biscuit recipes which the team will prepare in readiness
for a tasting session in the café/garden washed down with copious cups of tea
and coffee! Of course, weather permitting lots of time in the garden enjoying
the sunshine and fresh air.
It is pleasing to know that so many of
our relatives have kept in touch with their loved one through the different platforms
we have made available, but anyone wanting help or guidance on how to access
them should contact:
Monika (Monika.Nedelcheva@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk).
The health and
welfare of our residents remains to be our highest priority. We are in the
early stages of planning so that you will be able to see your loved one in a
safe and controlled manner as soon as the Government restrictions are lifted
and hope to keep you updated with our progress in due course. In
the meantime, if you have any questions about your loved one’s care, as the
General Manager of Banstead Manor I am always available to you.
The manager on duty for this week is Fiona
with the exception of Friday and Saturday when it will be me. We are both
available should you need to make contact.
Please remember, if you still have
questions regarding our management of Covid-19 you can email Coronahelpline@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk.
Yours sincerely,
David Stallard
General Manager
18th
May 2020
Dear Betty & Benny
Please see below the latest update from Banstead Manor.
Last week I shared with you that a
testing regime for Covid-19 had taken place at the home which included all
residents and team members regardless of whether or not they were showing
symptoms. I am pleased to report that our status this week is unchanged but
there are a number of residents whose self-isolation is drawing to an end which
will hopefully, be reflected in next week’s data.
In the meantime, we continue to
barrier nurse those residents affected and do all we can to protect them and our team from
Covid-19 by following robust infection control measures, in line with
Government and Public Health England advice. This is helped by continuity in
the supply and availability of PPE to ensure the highest level of protection to
everyone.
Our team levels remain sufficient and they are doing their very best to
make daily life within the home as normal as possible given the circumstances. This
week we will be turning our imaginations towards celebrating National Bee Day
with a teaser quiz and arranging activities based on food and drink tastings to
determine their origins – all of course ‘bee’ yellow and black!
The Lifestyle team are also starting
to make plans for the upcoming bank holiday to ensure it is a fun-filled day
for all. Don’t forget we have decided to take part in the great Hallmark
Scarf-athon with residents - a national knitting challenge to keep everyone occupied
during self-isolation and to raise money for charity. If you would like more
information about this and would like to support us with our target of knitting
20 scarfs (we are well on the way to this) before September, please let me know.
I
hope you found this update useful. I am very aware that families are missing visiting
their loved ones and vice versa. We are being as creative as we can to attempt to
bridge the gaps. If you would like to have more contact with your nearest and
dearest using the many Apps available to us, please do not hesitate to contact Monika,
Lifestyle Lead. In addition, should you have any
questions about your loved one’s care, as the General Manager of Banstead Manor
I will always be available to you.
The manager on duty for this week is myself
with the exception of Thursday when Fiona will be on hand.
If you still have questions regarding
our management of Covid-19 you can email Coronahelpline@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk.
Yours sincerely,
David
Stallard
General Manager
13th
May 2020
Dear Betty & Benny
Please see below our latest update on the situation at Banstead
Manor.
Apologies this update is reaching you later
than predicted but felt it was important to wait until the Prime Minister’s
address on Sunday to see if our practices and procedures needed to change based
on advice published the following day and Public Health England’s guidance.
However, I can confirm that our position remains unchanged at this point in
time.
As I communicated previously, we are
now part of an exclusive pilot test scheme (in conjunction with the Department
for Health and Social Care) which allowed all of our team and residents to be
tested. Following this testing pilot, three of our residents have been
confirmed with having Covid-19 despite not displaying any symptoms. In addition,
there are five residents who have either showed symptoms earlier or recently
visited hospital but have tested negative. However, all are in isolation and
being barrier nursed to complete their 14-day recuperation period.
We continue to follow robust infection
control measures as discussed in my previous letters. I can also inform you
that in the last week our Covid-19 policy and training has been updated and
shared with all of our team. PPE supply remains plentiful and should the need
arise further supplies have been secured by Hallmark.
Our team levels continue to be sufficient
and may I take this moment to express how incredibly proud we are of our team
for their hard work and dedication shown during this period of uncertainty. Moreover,
similar to the Coronavirus FAQ’s video you may have seen we have also provided
our team with a version of this to address any of their questions.
As you will be aware, last week we
celebrated VE Day which is a significant lifetime event for many of our residents.
This effectively was the first day some residents ventured out of their rooms
(observing social distancing) to enjoy the wealth of decoration in and outside.
Whilst limitations prevented the home from putting on its own street party,
with Demelza performing in each of our three gardens, red white and blue
balloons galore, resident memory ration packs and a glass of something bubbly-
it was very enjoyable. This week will culminate in celebrating Rainbow Day,
hopefully in the gardens with the sun shining and to round it off – cocktails
galore!
We are pleased that many of our
relatives have kept in touch with their loved one through the different platforms
we have made available and that we have received such positive feedback from
our RelsApp If you are not using this and would like to find out more, I have
attached a document with more information.
I hope you found this update useful
and reassuring. Although our doors remain closed, I would like to remind you
that I am always available should you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Please do not hesitate to contact me. Should you have any wider questions regarding
our management of Covid-19 you can email: Coronahelpline@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk.
The manager on duty for this week is Veronica
with the exception od Saturday, which is me.
Yours sincerely,
David Stallard
General Manager
During the journey, Howard and his team won the UK IT Industry Award for
“Digital Inclusion” and were Runners Up (to the BBC) in the Nominet Awards for
“Protecting Users from Threats and Crimes”.
“As a relative, I know how busy the team that care for my mother are. By using video messaging, sharing music and writing stories, I know that I am creating invaluable activity content which the carers can share with my mother when it is the best time for everyone.”
The RelsApp –
How you can get involved
Remaining in touch with your family members and friends has
become even more important during the Covid-19 outbreak. Hallmark Care Homes
has introduced a new app called RelsApp to keep everyone connected as best we
can.
What is the RelsApp?
The RelsApp is an easy to use, safe social network that
works on any device and enables the sharing of messages, videos and photos. Our
team members can see when a resident has received a message or photo, and if
required, help them to enjoy it and respond to you, the relative/friend.
Video messages that you send your loved ones can then be
watched again and again, bringing comfort and reassurance.
The platform was developed by a man named Howard Bashford,
who also created another resource we use called ‘Our Yesterday’s.’ Using
‘closed social networking,’ It looks and feels like many other social networks,
however, it is a secure site that you have to be invited to use it. Closing
social media, unlike Facebook and Twitter, makes it a safer place for people
who are unfamiliar with technology.
Head of Relationship-Centred Care at Hallmark Care Homes,
April Dobson said: “We worked in partnership with the developers to personalise
the App for Hallmark, initially testing in two homes at the start of the
year. We shared a common aim; happiness!
“As we went along, we kept the person at the centre and
always thought about the joy it would bring to help an older person to see
videos of their grandchildren, and share music and memories.
“As
the Coronavirus started to affect day to day life, it became immediately
evident that RelsApp would be useful for all of our homes. We have been able
to, in a small way through Relsapp, recreate the feelings associated with
seeing and hearing a loved one.”
What benefits have come from using the
app so far?
During the Coronavirus outbreak, the App has been an
invaluable communication tool, helping to keep relatives updated with new
initiatives and what’s happening in the homes. In the short time since the app
was introduced, we have shared individual homes’ newsletters, a monthly
gardening club newsletter, activities programmes and a new fundraising
initiative – The Great Hallmark Scarfathon.
It has also been a wonderful way to begin building each
individual resident a bank of their favourite photographs, memories, clips from
films and TV, and music. Many relatives
have uploaded videos of grandchildren and special moments from all over the
world for their loved ones to share. Hallmark team members have helped
residents to do the same and families have expressed how wonderful it is to be
able to see that their relative is safe, well and enjoying life.
Below are some quotes from team members
about how they are finding the RelsApp.
“One of our residents enjoyed
learning about our new app and received a video message from his brother and
sent him one as well! So lovely to have found a way to keep all families as
close as possible!
It was such a beautiful moment!”
“We are up and running and I wanted to tell you it is
amazing! We have connected with so many delighted families and friends today,
it has actually been very overwhelming. Thanks for introducing such a great
resource which will bring joy and reassurance to so many.”
“We
started using RelsApp today! It’s been amazing! Already had 10 families use it
to share videos and pictures and it’s so lovely to see the residents faces! The
team are slowly learning how it all works and can’t wait to use it to work with
residents on a one-to-one basis.”
Below are some quotes from relatives who
have already started using the app.
“As a relative, I know how busy the team that care for my mother are. By using video messaging, sharing music and writing stories, I know that I am creating invaluable activity content which the carers can share with my mother when it is the best time for everyone.”
“Skype is great, but it can be rather disruptive if I
insist that I want to talk to my mother at 3:15pm!
Recording a message on RelsApp means
that the care team know it is there and can fit it around her day. Everyone is
happy and Mum can see the videos and stories again and again. It’s simple and
it works
(for everyone).”
How can I get involved and start using
the RelsApp with my loved one?
if you’re
not yet using the RelsApp and would like to, please call the home. We will be
able to guide you through how to set it up on your device. It’s super quick and
easy to do and we will have you sharing pictures, videos and so much more with
your loved ones in no time!
RelsApp have
also compiled some handy videos should you need some more guidance. They can be
found here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpptEtPRgyXoxYF-p_3JYinODzuSS2dlN
13th
May 2020
Dear Betty & Benny
Please see below our latest update on the situation at Banstead
Manor.
Apologies this update is reaching you later
than predicted but felt it was important to wait until the Prime Minister’s
address on Sunday to see if our practices and procedures needed to change based
on advice published the following day and Public Health England’s guidance.
However, I can confirm that our position remains unchanged at this point in
time.
As I communicated previously, we are
now part of an exclusive pilot test scheme (in conjunction with the Department
for Health and Social Care) which allowed all of our team and residents to be
tested. Following this testing pilot, three of our residents have been
confirmed with having Covid-19 despite not displaying any symptoms. In addition,
there are five residents who have either showed symptoms earlier or recently
visited hospital but have tested negative. However, all are in isolation and
being barrier nursed to complete their 14-day recuperation period.
We continue to follow robust infection
control measures as discussed in my previous letters. I can also inform you
that in the last week our Covid-19 policy and training has been updated and
shared with all of our team. PPE supply remains plentiful and should the need
arise further supplies have been secured by Hallmark.
Our team levels continue to be sufficient
and may I take this moment to express how incredibly proud we are of our team
for their hard work and dedication shown during this period of uncertainty. Moreover,
similar to the Coronavirus FAQ’s video you may have seen we have also provided
our team with a version of this to address any of their questions.
As you will be aware, last week we
celebrated VE Day which is a significant lifetime event for many of our residents.
This effectively was the first day some residents ventured out of their rooms
(observing social distancing) to enjoy the wealth of decoration in and outside.
Whilst limitations prevented the home from putting on its own street party,
with Demelza performing in each of our three gardens, red white and blue
balloons galore, resident memory ration packs and a glass of something bubbly-
it was very enjoyable. This week will culminate in celebrating Rainbow Day,
hopefully in the gardens with the sun shining and to round it off – cocktails
galore!
We are pleased that many of our
relatives have kept in touch with their loved one through the different platforms
we have made available and that we have received such positive feedback from
our RelsApp If you are not using this and would like to find out more, I have
attached a document with more information.
I hope you found this update useful
and reassuring. Although our doors remain closed, I would like to remind you
that I am always available should you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Please do not hesitate to contact me. Should you have any wider questions regarding
our management of Covid-19 you can email: Coronahelpline@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk.
The manager on duty for this week is Veronica
with the exception od Saturday, which is me.
Yours sincerely,
David Stallard
General Manager
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I
sense everyone will be thinking, like buses, there are none when you
want one then suddenly 3 appear! So here is my third email this week….
Hallmark
is one of three leading care providers selected by the Department of
Health to participate in a whole home screening programme for Covid-19.
It involves the screening of residents and team members alike. Therefore
this has now been made available to Banstead Manor and from today, we
have been given a 3-day window to complete the exercise.
Therefore
apologies for not communicating this sooner but we did not have the
benefit of advanced notice. We are currently in the process of
undertaking the testing subject to individual consent and Tammy has
already liaised with families in relation to residents living in
Sycamore Mews.
By
participating in this government initiative we are supporting the wider
Covid-19 response whilst providing further reassurance to our residents
and team by identifying anyone at risk.
Results are anticipated 72 hours after testing and will be shared as appropriate.
Please do not hesitate to discuss any concerns or related matters with me.
Best regards
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Further
to my last email sent Monday. I need to make one correction and at the
same time, take the opportunity to provide some more detail to avoid
unnecessary anxiety.
Regardless
of the day or week, there is always a Duty Manager assigned to be on
call day or night in support of the team. This rotates between myself,
Veronica, Tammy and Fiona. Tammy is scheduled this week – not Veronica.
The Duty Manager is also available between the hours of 9-5 should you
wish to escalate any concerns.
I
am unable to go into too much detail around the rationale for suspected
or isolated residents individually but let me clarify a little,
Monday’s information for greater reassurance. Of the two residents
confirmed to have COVID-19, one is now clear of infection and the
second continues their recovery. Of the 6 suspected cases mentioned
Monday, which as a precaution are barrier nursed, one has since had a
negative test result confirmed. Two are being isolated for 14-days as
precautionary measures due to past hospital visits. One has completed
their isolation period today with no further symptoms. Finally, two have
symptoms that could well be attributed to other conditions but we are
taking a very cautious approach which has proven very successful in
terms of limiting spread within the home. We continuously monitor all
residents baseline health and as we observe any change, responsively
react by minimising transmission risk as far as possible. This often
involves self-isolation and barrier nursing until we can establish the
true nature of their change in condition.
Hopefully
this will help to explain why numbers quoted in the weekly
communication can and in all likelihood will, change week on week.
However, anyone directly affected will be contacted by the home team
without delay. Otherwise we will be continuing to use best practice and
operate in compliance with Public Health England guidelines, being
vigilant in recognising possible infection risks and acting
appropriately.
From the team at Banstead Manor, please keep safe.
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