CARE homes on the IW have suffered huge losses to Covid — with 78 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Thirty of those residents died within the first three weeks of January. Current data is up to January 22.

The strain on staff and residents is greater than ever.

The County Press spoke to staff at Victoria House, a Ryde care home, who have introduced more and more robust measures to help stem the tide of coronavirus — but the impact on mental health is palpable.

Isle of Wight County Press: Head housekeeper at Victoria House, Gina Woodmore.Head housekeeper at Victoria House, Gina Woodmore.

Tell us your care home stories, email us at editor@iwcp.co.uk

"No matter what we do, we have the most infection-control measures you can think of — it's tight, it's robust — and it still feels like such a risk," said manager, Claire Leggett.

"It feels like the most difficult time for us. There's a lot of talk about the vaccine — it's brilliant, it's positive news — but I don't think it's the answer for care homes.

"We still haven't been able to have visits and we still can't facilitate and accommodate the testing for relatives.

"I feel care homes are massively behind. I still don't think it's safe and it's not getting any better.

"The mental health and wellbeing of both the residents and staff is a huge concern.

"I've had staff sign off long-term sick because they're really struggling.

"I have the most amazing team, and they will do anything for the care home. I cannot fault them at all, but it takes its toll.

"Some of them can't cope — they're finding all the contact they have is at work and it's a real struggle.

"We've introduced lots of things to try to help — lots of support, regular contact and treats to cheer them up.

"There was a point where it was a little bit touch and go, with some staff self-isolating as well, but we got through that.

"For the residents, we have lots of video calling going on, they write cards to each other and we have gifts being dropped in, but it's not the same.

"We've had two cases in the care home — both in January — but we've managed to contain that and touch wood they are both OK.

"That was bad enough because it completely put the frighteners on the staff. It was a really nerve-racking time.

"I couldn't put more robust measures in place. We had absolutely everything, staff were even disinfecting their feet on mats, and Covid still got in.

"We haven't lost any residents luckily, but I know others have, and it breaks my heart. It's just devastating.

"You look at the news and see 22 have died in one week and you think, that could have been us. It could have wiped out the care home."

Isle of Wight County Press: Victoria House's Ella Kirk, care assistant, and Sharon Simpson, cook/senior care assistant.Victoria House's Ella Kirk, care assistant, and Sharon Simpson, cook/senior care assistant.

Charlotte Hudd, who is a Queen's Nurse and healthcare chaplain, has been working within the care home sector throughout the pandemic.

She said: "Wading through the sea of humanity in social care nursing, I see loving service in the deeds and words of remarkable committed people.

"Exhausted and frightened, the team are working long hours, day and night. Covid is moving through the workforce and the residents, reducing their numbers respectively, and fear attempts to take its grip.

"However, I am seeing enormous amounts of bravery, commitment and discipline. I hear words of reassurance and kindness to the residents, confused by the loneliness of isolation.

"I also observe patience, tenderness and love to both resident and relative, to ensure provision of highly skilled compassionate care delivering dignity and comfort in dying."