As the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic is marked, we reflect on the unprecedented challenges, and the extraordinary efforts of our team in response.
Moston Grange Nursing Home were asked to do something that, at the time, felt impossible—set up an intermediate care service for those affected by COVID-19.
Hospitals were overwhelmed, and families were struggling to get updates on their loved ones. We had a newly refurbished unit ready with 16 empty beds, but the challenge was enormous: staffing, PPE, clinical expertise, and safely supporting people as they transitioned to onward placements.
Despite our initial doubts, we were guided by a single principle: “It’s the right thing to do.”
With three operational nursing units open, we successfully tackled nursing challenges and were able to meet the fluctuating demands of a COVID-positive unit. We expected hesitation amongst the team as so little was understood about COVID at the time. The opposite was true. We were flooded with volunteers, all eager to play their part in such an important response. “If it was my family member, I’d want them somewhere like this,” one said.
The impact of The Florence Unit was significant. In Phase 1, we admitted 17 individuals, and in Phase 2, we supported 69 more. Across Phase 2, we provided a total of 1,149 bed days.
A view from the frontline
Danielle Batey, a Homemaker remembers the experience vividly: “With admissions and discharges happening rapidly—sometimes four discharges and five admissions on the same day—staff had to be adaptable and focused.
“It was a scary time, not knowing if we would be taking anything back to our families.
“Patients would isolate on the wards for 2-3 weeks for rehabilitation.” Despite the restrictions, staff found ways to maintain crucial family connections. Face-timing families with loved ones became a daily routine. “Some families would even sit outside and speak through the window.” Danielle recalls.
“Most didn’t have dementia, the service users we normally support at Moston Grange Nursing Home. It was all about isolation. We supported some great characters.”
Even in the most challenging moments, the team at Moston Grange Nursing Home went above and beyond to make the environment feel as normal as possible, even decorating the unit to celebrate Christmas.
Summing up the experience, Danielle says “The pace of admissions and discharge were far beyond our usual levels. It’s like something out of a film looking back. Although it was a scary time, it was incredibly rewarding too. It was great to see people get better and go back home to their families or to onward placements.”
Remembering our contribution
Five years on, we remember the sacrifices, the challenges, and most importantly, the people we cared for.
The success of The Florence Unit couldn’t have been achieved without our dedicated team, and the partners we worked alongside. From the Modern Matron for Community Response Services who played a key role in unlocking rehabilitation resources, to the Go to Docs service providing medical oversight, and Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes who developed tailored medication safety and governance protocols.
Together, we played our part to support our community and the NHS in its hour of need.
Read more about The Florence Unit and our support for the NHS.