MINISTER’S SYMPATHY AFTER 13 CARE HOME DEATHS

Burlington was “one of the best care homes where the staff are great and treat the residents like family,” says parish Minister

By Cameron Brooks

The Rev Muriel Pearson, right, minister of Cranhill Parish Church, said: “Our congregation have been involved with folks living in Burlington Court Home since it was built, regularly visiting to lead worship.

“The community will be desperately shocked and saddened by the news that so many families have lost loved ones in recent days.  We are devastated for the caring staff.

“We can hold residents, their families and staff in our thoughts and prayers and follow the public health guidelines to stay home and reduce the devastating effect of this virus.

“We are all thinking of the staff and residents of one of the best care homes where the staff are great and treat the residents like family.”

Ms Pearson is conducting a funeral for a man who died in Burlington Court of Covid-19 on Monday –  “It will be a very small gathering and very simple,” she said.

She added: “It has been distressing not to be able to visit the bereaved and talk about their loss, although we have talked on the phone.

“Ministers are trying to be present in their parishes, while at a physical distance, and want to assure people that although there are restrictions on how funerals are conducted, we will, as we always do, strive to make it personal and to bring comfort and hope.

“It is a privilege to offer this to anyone in the parish, not just church members.

“And in days to come, we will be able to mourn together and to celebrate the sacrificial caring offered by social care staff and medical staff.

“I hope that as a society our valuing of these key workers will be reflected in a change to the way social care is structured.”