STAFF and residents at Barchester’s The Wingfield care home in Trowbridge are among the first in west Wiltshire to have received the Covid-19 vaccine.

General manager Peter Masons said they were "delighted" to have the vaccination, which has lifted everyone’s spirits after what has been a very challenging year for everyone.

He said: “Last year was a year like no other and the vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.

"Our teams have been magnificent in how they have risen to every challenge during this pandemic and we are proud to play our part in this next phase to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.”

The Care Quality Commission made an unannounced inspection of The Wingfield care home in June last year following concerns about Covid-19 positive cases and a number of residents dying after contracting the virus.

The relative of one resident who died contacted the CQC to voice concerns about the lack of communication from the home. The CQC's report was published last August. The care home is rated Good.

Louise Marsh, staff member at The Wingfield said: “I am so pleased to be given the vaccine. It will help to keep our residents safe and is the first step in getting things back to normal and having a buzz of visitors in the home once again.”

The Wingfield is welcoming new residents into the home to ensure that it is there for those that need care and support.

The home has a very clear protocols that must be met, including a transition period into the home to help keep everyone safe.

The Wingfield is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals.

The Wingfield provides nursing care, residential care and respite care. It can take up to 89 residents and employs more than 50 staff.