Hucknall care homes have installed visiting stations so families can visit relatives during pandemic

Hazelgrove, in Farleys Lane, has erected a station outside whereby families can sit and talk to their loved one through a window with an organised telephone call and Buddleia House in Croft Avenue, allows visitors to chat on a headset through a window on a pre-organised call.

Commenting on the new visiting stations one relative said: “It’s the best thing, it’s the first time we have seen mum since lockdown.”

The care home group, Milford Care, which also has four other homes in Belper, Milford, Ashbourne, Alfreton, closed them to visitors back in March before lockdown began in order to restrict infection.

One of the six care homes, The Meadows in Alfreton, Derbyshire, have strategically placed benches and chairs outside at least 2 meters apart to allow families to converse.

Another of the care homes, Milford House, Milford in Derbyshire, have organised a seating area outside the home whereby residents can sit and chat to their loved ones, while social distancing.

Each home has arranged a booking system to provide times for families to visit their relatives.

The visiting areas are thoroughly disinfected between intervals to ensure everyone's safety.

The homes have followed strict infection control procedures since the lockdown began.

The visiting areas are thoroughly disinfected between intervals to ensure everyone's safety.

Pierre Falleth, director of Milford Care, said: ‘We are so happy we can bring families together while still keeping social distancing in place.

“The homes have been really proactive during this unprecedented time and we’re proud that each home has come to the rescue and built bespoke solutions.

“We understand how hard it must be for those who are missing their relatives so hopefully this bridges the gap while the world is still feeling the effects of the pandemic.”

The homes, which are all rated Outstanding or Good from the Care Quality Commission, are working with family members and health care professionals to safely admit new people to the home.