Laverstock Team Rises To The Challenge Of An Emergency Evacuation
Last month, the team at Laverstock Care Centre was required to spring into action when a major gas leak occurred nearby.
The sudden gas leak led to an emergency visit to the home from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service. As Laverstock fell within the 80 metre cordon set up around the area most at risk, the fire service ordered a complete and immediate evacuation of staff and residents while emergency responders assessed the situation.
The Team Rises to the Occasion
At this point, Home Manager, Erin Langley, and the team needed to switch straight into emergency mode. Every one of our homes has an emergency evacuation plan in place, and the team at Laverstock followed theirs to the letter, arranging for the swift and safe transportation of 73 residents to the designated temporary location at Parkwood Health and Fitness Gym.
The team’s priority was making sure the elderly residents, many of whom require 1-1 support, didn’t experience distress or discomfort during the move, and once in their new temporary location. Erin made sure that all necessary precautions were taken so that residents were supported medically and emotionally, and the Laverstock team were a reassuring presence throughout.
A Smooth Evacuation and Praise from a Relative
The transition was smooth and most importantly, safe. The local community rallied round wonderfully, helping with the relocation and bringing food and hot drinks to the gym. Once established at Parkwood, the staff there helped the Laverstock team to make everyone comfortable. Meanwhile, friends and neighbours were sharing information and updates via social media which was an important source of communication as everything happened so quickly.
The team was touched when a resident’s daughter later wrote a letter to the Salisbury Journal praising them for the thoughtful manner of the evacuation and strong teamwork.
Fire Officials Impressed by “Exemplary” Handling by the Team
The fire service authorised a safe return to Laverstock at around 9pm and once again, residents were safely transported back. Fire officials told Erin that they were extremely impressed by the way she and the staff put the evacuation plan into action and said that their handling of the situation was “exemplary.”
It was a tricky few hours, but everyone’s kindness and support helped the team at Laverstock keep residents safe and comfortable – always the most important thing.
Looking back on the day, Home Manager, Erin, reflected: “As a Home Manager a full evacuation is something you always prepare for, however hope you will never be required to carry out. I am immensely proud of my team who were nothing short of heroic in their response. Their professionalism and sense of teamwork ensured that our residents were evacuated quickly and safely. I feel honoured to be surrounded by a team of such highly skilled, caring and committed individuals. As a team we are extremely grateful to the residents’ relatives and the local community who came together to support us”.
Laverstock Care Centre provides residential, nursing and dementia care on a permanent and short stay basis. If you are looking for a care home and want to find out more about our home call us on freephone 0808 223 5520
