Currently COVID-FREE

It is with mixed feelings that we announce The Croft is now officially “COVID-19 Free” after three weeks of outstanding effort and dedicated care by our team to contain the virus and limit its impact.   

This morning we received test results for the two residents who had tested positive for COVID-19 14 days ago.  Today they were confirmed as COVID-19 negative.  Since we have no other symptomatic residents or staff, we have been confirmed as COVID-FREE by Public Health England and other health professionals. 

On the one hand, we are all very pleased to have achieved this milestone, and contained the virus.  Four residents and one staff member tested as positive for COVID-19 during our Confirmed Outbreak.  We understand this represents a feat of containment.  Many homes have not been so lucky in limiting the spread of the virus in this way. 

On the other hand, we are devastated at having lost one of our residents to the virus.  This resident was our first confirmed case, who tested positive for the virus on admission to hospital for an apparently unrelated health condition.  That person died one week later in hospital and we continue to feel the burden and sadness of that loss. 

Despite achieving a COVID-FREE status, for the time being, we will be maintaining our highest levels of infection control at The Croft.  We also aim to implement another batch of resident and staff testing in the near future.  Those tests have been booked and, assuming they are all negative as expected, it will provide us all with additional peace of mind. 

We would like to pay tribute to our amazing team of staff who have excelled at maintaining the highest standards of care and infection control.  Their dedication and bravery in the face of a real threat to their own health has been an inspiration.  This also goes for the small team of agency staff from Ocean Healthcare, who have been with us through our Outbreak.

There have also been many people externally who have offered us encouragement and support, and who all deserve our thanks.  We would like to give a special mention to our residents’ loved ones, for their unconditional and enthusiastic support.  As well as the Newton Abbot Community Nursing Team, who have gone above and beyond to provide us with additional resources and the help we have needed during our Outbreak.  Thanks everyone. 

Any press enquiries should be directed to Simon Spiller, Registered Provider, on 07501 465119.  Press enquiries will not be taken on The Croft’s landline.