A CARE home in Hindley became one of the first care homes in the borough to receive the COVID-19 jab.

Residents and staff at Ash Tree House received their first dose of the vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford.

The home arranged for each resident to pair up with a staff member whilst having their injections to offer additional support during the vaccination process.

Management at Ash Tree House had pre-empted the essential administrative processes and were ready to go with all the paperwork arranged.

Residents and their families have been eagerly awaiting news of when they will be able to receive the vaccine at their home and were thrilled to find out that they were top of the list. A GP and team of Registered Nurses from Claire House Surgery attended the home and carried out the vaccinations quickly and efficiently.

Margaret Clement, 96, who has lived at Ash Tree House since 2013, said, "Everyone at Ash Tree House has been fantastic and it just felt right to do this together.

"It all went smoothly and was very well organised. I feel privileged to be one of the first to have the vaccine and although we have stayed safe at home, I am hopeful that this is the start of the whole world bouncing back from this awful year."

Stacey Linn, director at Ash Tree House’s operator Ideal Carehomes, added: "Our staff have been inspirational throughout the pandemic – not just for the way they have worked together to protect their residents but also for how quickly and efficiently they have responded to numerous new guidelines over the last few months.

"This is testament to the fact that they were prepared and ready for the vaccine roll-out. I am so proud of our manager, Chris, and everyone at the home for their continued resilience, dedication and commitment. It is an emotional moment to be able to take this positive step together in the fight against coronavirus."

Home manager, Chris Durnan, said: "This past year has been a real challenge for everyone, but we have always had faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the availability of a vaccine has been our continued hope that we will return to normal.

"The GP and Registered Nurses who came to complete the vaccinations have been brilliant and the process was fast and efficient. We are just so relieved to know that our residents will be protected from this virus, as that has been the most important thing to us throughout."

Ash Tree House is operated by Ideal Carehomes and recently achieved a ‘Good’ rating for a second time by the Care Quality Commission. Residents at Ash Tree House can enjoy a full programme of health, leisure and wellbeing activities managed by a dedicated team of carers. All 60 bedrooms are en-suite, enabling staff to deliver person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible. For more information about Ash Tree House, contact Chris on 01942 256089 or visit https://www.idealcarehomes.co.uk/