A large proportion of staff at Oak Springs are off work because they’re isolating (Picture: PA)

Neighbours are rallying round a care home in Wavertree, Liverpool, where several people have died of coronavirus and the majority of the other residents have been infected.

Staff at Oak Springs Care Home begged for help earlier this week as the number of workers continued to drop because they, too, had to isolate. Normally there are up to 72 care staff on duty, but because of Covid-19, there were just 18 yesterday, including agency workers.

Matt Hayward, lead carer in the dementia unit, told the Daily Mail: ‘I’ve never seen so many people get so poorly so quickly and I do worry about my team. But as long as they are well, they will keep going and I have to say they have been fabulous.’



Problems started at the care home on March 17 when a member of staff displayed symptoms. It quickly spread and now more than two thirds of the residents are sick.


Healthcare assistant Michelle Fay, 52, pictured at the care home looking after one of the residents

Manager Andrea Lyon said: ‘We’d prepared but we never expected anything like this. It’s the most difficult place for barrier nursing because you can’t even leave hand sanitiser there in case they drink it.’

A spokesman for Cavalry Healthcare, which is providing agency staff, said: ‘We are in urgent need of skilled and compassionate Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants to come forward and help in these unprecedented times.’

They are recruiting for more staff on their website. CEO Rory McDonnell said: ‘If you’re a nurse or a carer and want to do something incredible and provide care where others won’t… please join us.’

You can easily find our latest news and updates on coronavirus.

The home has been inundated with offers of help from people living nearby, including many who turned up to applaud staff yesterday.

Dozens of people living around the care home came out of their houses on Thursday night at 8pm to take part in the Clap For Carers campaign.

People were also heard banging pots and pans and fireworks were seen being let off in neighbouring streets.

The show of support was also a chance for people to display their appreciation to other key workers, such as supermarket workers, police officers, and post service workers.

Agency staff have been drafted in to help with the crisis at the care home in Wavertree, Liverppool (Picture: PA)

A couple who live facing Oak Springs, Dot and Tony, said: ‘We have come out to show our support to the postmen and everybody still working. Even the bin men and especially the National Health Service.’

Another neighbour, Thomas, said: ‘I’m here to support the National Health Services who are doing a fantastic job. Good luck to them, keep it going.

‘We love you, you’re saving lives. Thank you very much.’

The campaign saw people all over the UK clapping in their homes last week for NHS workers who are treating the COVID-19 crisis.

This week, however, the applause was extended to other key workers who are dedicated to looking after others and keep the country running, including supermarket workers, cleaners, carers and teachers.



And people took to their windows, front doors and balconies across Merseyside at 8pm on Thursday night to Clap For Carers working on the front line.

Sarah Jones said: ‘Everyone in our street clapped and some of our neighbours did a thumbs up to my dad who is a key worker. Thanks to all the key workers. Stay safe, we love you.’

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