Bob cuts the ribbon on Walcot Hall’s visitor pod

Walcot Hall nursing home in Diss has opened a garden ‘visitor’s pod’ to help residents maintain contact with loved-ones during the pandemic.

The purpose-built wooden cabin, named ‘the garden house’, is situated in the communal garden at the home, and provides a space for relatives to visit residents whilst Covid-19 continues to pose a risk across the country.

Having taken a tough decision to cease all but essential or compassionate exceptional visits inside the home prior to the national lockdown in March, Healthcare Homes Group, which operates Walcot Hall, has researched ways to keep residents connected with family members. 

The answer has been to invest in creating temporary garden pod structures, which are equipped with two separate entrances, a Perspex screen to separate visitors from residents and an intercom to make communicating easy. The rooms are also equipped with heating when required, insulation and nurse call buttons, for added comfort.

The home was formally opened last week by resident, Bob, who ‘cut the ribbon’ as part of the opening ceremony.  Bob gave a wonderful speech, commenting that he feels ‘privileged to live here’ and can now enjoy the space with his own family members and loved ones.

Rosalind Godfrey, manager of Walcot Hall said; “It’s been so important for us to find a way to keep a sense of connection between our residents and their relatives.  Contact with their loved ones plays a huge part in their overall wellbeing, so having the opportunity to open a Covid-safe visiting room is just fantastic.

“Now that the Garden House is open, we can get back into a regular routine of visits for our relatives, which we know will make such a difference to them and their loved ones.”

Relatives are advised to contact the manager to make an appointment for the visiting pod.

For more information call 01379 641030.

Pip Rich