East Sussex care home reopens its doors days after coronavirus fears

A Brighton care home which closed its doors earlier this week following a visit from a GP diagnosed with coronavirus has reopened following a precautionary clean.

Patcham Nursing Home in Eastwick Close which cares for 24 elderly people closed the home to all friends and families of residents as well as contractors and suppliers on Tuesday following the closure of the local GP surgery.

’Our residents have been good-natured and uncomplaining throughout’

A spokesperson for the home said: “We are pleased that the home has now reopened to visitors.

"Thanks must go to Public Health England for its support and advice over the last few days, to all the families and visitors who have been patient and understanding, to our staff who have been superb and, last but not least, to our residents who have been good-natured and uncomplaining throughout.”

Throughout the week, the care home carried out checks on both residents and staff after seeking advice of Public Health England. Residents had their temperatures checked on a regular basis and were being monitored for symptoms.

Two healthcare professionals in Brighton were among a number of people who have been infected by the virus.

The GP who visited the home caught the disease while staying in a chalet in France, from Steve Walsh dubbed a 'super spreader' who has infected 11 people.

British businessman Mr Walsh, who contracted the virus in Singapore passed it to 11 people at a ski resort in France. Five of these returned to the UK. Mr Walsh has now recovered.

So far, nine people in the UK have been diagnosed with the virus.

Public Health England has issued guidance on the assessment and management of suspected coronavirus cases on its website.

Anyone experiencing symptoms, even if mild, after travelling from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau, is advised to stay indoors and call the NHS 111 phone service.

Patcham Nursing Home is run by Wren Retirement Living and offers nursing care as well as palliative care and respite care.

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