Norovirus outbreak: Llys Hafren staff praised

Llys Hafren has reopened to visitors after an outbreak of Norovirus forced the care home to be closed for more than a week.

Staff at the Welshpool facility have been praised by senior management for going the extra mile after the sickness and diarrhea bug, which has hit the area hard, resulted in the drastic action being taken to limit its spread.

Bea Wickstead, Home Manager for Shaw Healthcare who manage the facility for Powys County Council, said: “The service was very responsive to the outbreak and alerted Environmental Health on Monday, December 30, following the first suspected case on Sunday, 29th. As more people developed symptoms and following our notification, EHO attended Llys Hafren before 9am on the Monday.

“The situation was managed in line with Shaw’s Infection Control Procedure which resulted in the home being closed to visitors. The staff team showed dedication and commitment to the residents at Llys Hafren with many carrying out extra shifts when required to maintain staffing levels without the use of agencies. 

“We are pleased to report that our residents have remained comfortable and within the Service throughout this unfortunate episode which is common at this time of year. Our staff have also been supported.”

A spokesperson for Powys County Council told us: “Shaw Healthcare has kept the council fully informed about developments on a daily basis and they have also liaised with Care Inspectorate Wales, as is required as part of their registration.

“Should any of your readers have concerns about staffing levels at residential homes during outbreaks such as these, then we would ask them to contact our Commissioning Team at County Hall in Llandrindod Wells.”

Last month, local medical chiefs issued advice following the spread of Norovirus, asking those with symptoms to stay at home and not to attend A&E and medical centres.