Moving moment as mum and daughter reunited in Doncaster care home for  first time in a year

This was the emotional moment a mum and daughter were reunited in a Doncaster care home for the first time in a year.
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Resident Laura Turner held mum Lesley Booth’s hand, following new government guidance allowing visitors into homes.

She was among residents at Harry Priestley House, Fieldside, Thorne, meeting loved ones in person for the first time since the pandemic began, following new Government guidance allowing each care home resident to receive visits from one loved one.

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Laura Turner, who has a learning disability, was ‘extremely happy’ to see her mum again in person. They even did a mini Easter egg hunt together in the lounge together.

Resident at at Harry Priestley House, Fieldside, Thorne, Laura Turner, held mum Lesley Booth’s hand, following new government guidance allowing visitors into care homes.Resident at at Harry Priestley House, Fieldside, Thorne, Laura Turner, held mum Lesley Booth’s hand, following new government guidance allowing visitors into care homes.
Resident at at Harry Priestley House, Fieldside, Thorne, Laura Turner, held mum Lesley Booth’s hand, following new government guidance allowing visitors into care homes.
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Laura’s mum, Lesley, said: “It’s so lovely to be back in the home as it has actually been a whole year since I last visited inside. I am so happy to be able to hold my daughter’s hand again and looking forward to being able to give her a hug in the near future.”

Each visitor must take a lateral flow test before entering the home and receive a negative result for Covid-19, before they meet, and wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, apron and a mask.

Harry Priestley House, run by RMBI Care Co, closed its doors to all but essential visitors before the first national lockdown last year to protect residents and staff. Families have visited using the home’s Covid-secure visitor pod, which opened last summer.

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Staff made sure residents have had regular contact with their families by phone or video calls. This is the first time residents have been able to meet in the same room as their loved one without a physical partition.

Home manager, Anne Stobart, said: “We have been waiting for this moment for such a long time and are overjoyed to be able to reunite our residents safely with their loved ones in person.”

“Throughout the pandemic, our staff have gone above and beyond to support our residents to stay connected with their loved ones, which is vital for their wellbeing.

“We are so pleased to be moving in the right direction and are looking forward to opening our Home up to more visitors and larger gatherings when it is safe to do so.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.

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