Peterborough care home unveils revolutionary new visitor pod to bring families closer together during the pandemic

For the last few months, the care home on Baron Court has been hosting a series of window and garden visits but now say that they are able to ‘offer another step towards normal’.

The indoor pod was erected last week and is made up of a stud wall with perspex screens, with microphones and speakers mounted to each side. There is also a hearing aid loop to ensure those with hearing problems are not disadvantaged.

Barchester Healthcare, which runs the home, has put much careful planning into visitor protocols.

Visitors must not have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 14 days or be showing any symptoms and they may only access a designated indoor area that will not jeopardise the safety of anyone else in the home.

Cleaning will also take place after each visit, with chairs, seats and screens wiped down.

The news has been welcomed by family and friends of residents, who were concerned about how visits would take place as the winter weather loomed. Now though, the new pod gives them a place to catch up with loved ones safely inside.

Luke Cook, General Manager at Werrington Lodge, said: “This has been a much welcomed development in unprecedented times. The visits are well organised and a lot of safety measures have been put in place. Hence we haven’t had a resident case of Covid-19 in the home.

“It was wonderful to see the indoor pod make the residents and their relatives so happy.

“We are welcoming new residents into our homes to ensure that we are there for those that need care and support and we have a very clear admission policy and infection control protocols that must be met.”

Barchester Healthcare is one of the UK’s largest care providers, committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Werrington Lodge provides nursing, residential, dementia and respite care.

Anyone looking for care or in need of further help can contact the home on 01733 324252.