STAFF at a Hampshire care home are sleeping outside in caravans to protect their families after a resident died from coronavirus.

Carers at Shedfield Lodge Care Home have been described as commendable and praised for doing an amazing job.

Three carers and four agency staff at the home in Shedfield are staying in five caravans between them.

They are doing it to protect their families after an "elderly gentlemen" from the home died from coronavirus two weeks ago.

According to care home boss, Andy Geach, the carers have heating, wifi, television and food in their caravans and seem as happy as can be under the circumstances.

Andrew said: "We think they will be there a couple of months but they can leave if they want.

"They are in it for the long haul but they are being looked after well.

"They are doing an amazing job and it is commendable."

Andrew reports he has been asked to provide beds to ease struggling hospitals but is worried about putting his existing residents at risk.

He adds he would be happy to offer beds if patients have a "ticket" to show they do not have coronavirus and are not putting staff and residents at risk of infection.

Andrew said he is not willing to play Russian roulette with people’s lives.

The proprietor also mentions having limited PPE for carers and the home is still waiting for on an order of masks made in January.

Commenting on the situation, MP for Meon Valley, Flick Drummond, said: "If staff at Shedfield Lodge need equipment or help and advice to take extra residents during this crisis then I ask them to get in touch so I can help.

I would like to thank everyone in the social care sector who are working so hard to help alleviate the pressure on the NHS at this time – it’s a vital job."

The home, set within a converted manor house provides care for people with dementia, mental health conditions, physical disabilities and the elderly.

With a 'Good' rating from CQC , a statement on the home's website says: "Shedfield Lodge recognises that the World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. We continue to review our pandemic policy and procedure and are ensuring that we are prepared. We will ensure that staff have access to the latest coronavirus information and continue to follow robust procedures and the WHO advice to reduce the risk of contracting the virus."

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