Coronavirus: ‘With every beat of our heart we are fighting to keep this virus out’

A nursing home administrator has said staff are working “with every beat of our hearts” to keep the coronavirus out.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th May 2020, 06:45 BST
Beechvale Nursing Home deputy manager Felipe Ferreira dons his PPE while cleaningBeechvale Nursing Home deputy manager Felipe Ferreira dons his PPE while cleaning
Beechvale Nursing Home deputy manager Felipe Ferreira dons his PPE while cleaning

Susan Ringland, administrator of Beechvale Nursing Home in Killinchy, has given a touching account from inside the frontline of the battle against the coronavirus in Northern Ireland.

While more than a quarter of the 484 registered care homes in Northern Ireland have now reported a coronavirus outbreak, Beechvale remains Covid-free.

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Ms Ringland said staff face a difficult battle to keep spirits high in the face of the virus.

Care assistant Matthew Fairley disinfecting supplies before entering the homeCare assistant Matthew Fairley disinfecting supplies before entering the home
Care assistant Matthew Fairley disinfecting supplies before entering the home

“With every beat of our heart we are fighting to keep this virus out of Beechvale,” she said.

“On a daily basis one of our biggest challenges is to keep spirits high, in front of residents and families. However, no one can truly understand the amount of apprehension we are continually managing during each shift.

“Trying to maintain a straight face and cheery persona to keep a happy carefree atmosphere can be draining and exhausting.

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“Families are naturally concerned they may never see their loved ones again.

Beechvale resident Robert Walker reading a letter from a childBeechvale resident Robert Walker reading a letter from a child
Beechvale resident Robert Walker reading a letter from a child

“Staff from every department in our nursing home are only too aware of the harsh reality as they willingly face risks each and every day coming into work.

“The overwhelming responsibility each one of us has is overpowering and we are digging deep into our reserves of resilience to help us get through this complex period, even though the crippling anxiety is real for all of us.”

Beechvale manager, Kathie Walker, said: “Laughter is the best medicine for our residents and staff.

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“It’s the little things right now that make the big difference. Fear does not serve us. We need to be level-headed and sensible and support and trust each other during these difficult times. We need to remain hopeful and confident.”

Resident Phyllis Brown enjoys a letter sent to Beechvale by a childResident Phyllis Brown enjoys a letter sent to Beechvale by a child
Resident Phyllis Brown enjoys a letter sent to Beechvale by a child

Ms Ringland added: “The elderly people we look after rely on us to keep them free from infection, well fed and professionally cared for.

“Even though it is daunting, we must do our job.

“The residents in Beechvale are vulnerable and need our help.

“Regardless of the fact we are torn apart, with the devastating thought we could potentially infect our loved ones who we leave at home, we have faith in our management and colleagues and support one another.”

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She also paid tribute to those who have helped with “so many considerate gifts and donations”, including the “rainbow pictures from local children” and the “cards and words of encouragement”.

She said the gifts “bring us to tears as we realise there are people out there thinking about us”.

Ms Ringland also reserved particular praise for the care home manager Kathie Walker, saying: “Our manager is amazing. She has everyone’s best interests at heart.”