Latest home closure

Posted on by Graham Kingdon

It is with regret that I write to inform you that we have been instructed by Public Health England to close Somerville House to visitors. This is due to two staff members testing positive within 14 days of each other, which unfortunately meets the threshold to place the home into Outbreak 

At this moment in time, there are no residents affected and a whole home test has been carried out. We will update you as soon as reasonably possible, should we receive further positive results, however please do feel free to contact Somerville at any time and the staff will be happy to let you know how your relatives are. 

Due to the high level of omicron circulating in the South West we have been advised by Public Health England to continue outbreak restrictions until after recovery testing at 28 days, therefore provided we receive no further positive results, we are allowed to lift restrictions on or around 7th February 2022. 

There are alternative ways in which visits can be accommodated, such as window visits, however we ask that relatives that would like a window visit, to please contact Somerville before turning up. This will enable the staff to support residents to their bedroom or another area where window visits can take place. Due to the building work that is taking place at the rear of the building, our garden room is not in use. 

We are one of many care homes affected in this way, given the current pandemic situation. 

Actions we have taken 

I understand relatives and friends of residents will be extremely concerned by this news. I therefore want to outline the steps we have taken to minimise the risk to residents:  

  • We are seeking medical advice promptly if any resident develops symptoms of coronavirus.  
  • We are following social distancing measures in the care home as per national guidance.   
  • We have discussed the situation with UK Health Security Agency Health Protection Team and are following their advice to minimise the risk of the virus spreading. Specific infection control measure in place include: 
  • Isolation of suspected cases – all residents with coronavirus symptoms are being supported to self-isolate for 14 days. Symptomatic staff are being excluded for 7 days, provided they produce a negative LFT on day 6 and 7, however if not staff will be excluded for 10 days 
  • Enhanced cleaning – is in place, as per UKHSA guidance. 
  • Linen and waste – we are ensuring of the correct disposal and management of linen and waste as per national guidance  
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) – appropriate use of PPE is being carried out throughout the care home in line with national guidance. All staff have been trained in the use of PPE and infection control procedures.   
  • Hand hygiene – regular handwashing is being enforced across the facility – this applies to both residents and staff. 
  • Catch It, Bin it, Kill it – residents are being encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and to wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues. 

The symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, sudden loss of normal taste or smell, shortness of breath, or flu-like symptoms that is mild in most cases. However, more severe symptoms are seen in people with weakened immune systems such as older people and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. 

 You can find further information about COVID 19 at 

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch should you require further information 

Many Thanks 

Sam Martin 

Manager