Buckinghamshire Council has responded to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak by transforming the Olympic Lodge and other buildings at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury into a social care facility for adults. The centre will be open from Monday 6 April.
In just three weeks the lodge has been completely repurposed as a care and reablement centre to look after vulnerable adults during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
The aim of the centre is to get people back into their homes as soon as possible. The centre will care for:
* hospital patients who no longer require acute care but are not quite ready to go home and;
* people living at home who, temporarily, are unable to remain there because they have no support.
Up to 240 beds will be available staffed by a team of care workers, and supported by volunteers, all providing round the clock care and support to those staying there. To help the centre run smoothly stadium catering and hospitality staff are supporting the Olympic Lodge.
Explaining why the facility was needed, Angela Macpherson, Executive Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said: "The benefits of setting up this centre are two-fold. Not only are we freeing up beds in hospitals which can be used to care for critically ill patients, we are also ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have a safe place to go where they will be cared for. They will be away from the danger of infection in hospital and under the care and supervision of a team of specialist staff."
To prevent the potential spread of Covid-19 and keep both residents and staff safe visitors will not be allowed. However, the centre has been equipped with mobile phones and tablets for people to stay in touch with their family and friends. All meals and laundry services will be provided and residents will have access to TVs and other entertainment.
Councillor Macpherson continued: "It is an amazing feat to have got this centre up and running in just three weeks and I congratulate everyone involved.
"Ultimately we want to make sure that during this time of national emergency that we are working proactively to do all we can to protect our most vulnerable residents from the dangers posed by Covid-19."
Could you offer some assistance to support the staff at Olympic Lodge? The team is looking for a range of volunteers with a health or social care background to help care for clients.
Councillor Macpherson said: "Whatever time or help you can give will be of huge benefit. Our staff will be carrying out the main care duties for these clients but our volunteers will provide much needed support and assistance to help them do this. It's a great way to get involved and join the huge national wave of support for our vulnerable communities. "
Application has been made to register the centre with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Full training and support will be given to all volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or find out more about what is involved please let us know by completing the form at: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/community-hub/helping-others/health-and-social-care-volunteer-support/
Or email us at: communities@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
