Jeremy Hunt has paid a festive visit to Sunrise of Guildford to turn on the care home’s outdoor Christmas lights.
While attending the socially-distanced ceremony, the Surrey MP spoke to residents and their loved ones who have taken part in the care home’s enhanced visiting programme. This innovative scheme has enabled residents to have meaningful contact with their loved ones during the pandemic in a safe and controlled environment.
The former Health Secretary also learnt about the protocols the care home has put in place, including rigorous infection-control measures, which has enabled Sunrise of Guildford to remain free from COVID-19.
After the ceremony finished, the care home’s residents returned inside to complete the ceremony over fresh mince pies and mulled wine.
Jeremy Hunt also told the care home that he would be delighted to receive an invitation to turn on the care home’s full festive lighting next year, once social distancing guidelines have been relaxed.
Speaking of Jeremy Hunt’s visit, Lynn Grafham, the General Manager of Sunrise of Guildford, said: “In a year that has been dominated by the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, it was wonderful to welcome Jeremy to our garden to turn on our Christmas lights. Our residents thoroughly enjoyed speaking to him about our remarkable efforts to keep our residents and team members safe over the last nine months.
“While this year’s ceremony may have been a smaller affair than previous years, the entire Sunrise of Guildford community look forward to welcoming Jeremy back for a visit in the new year under more normal circumstances.”
John Jenkins, a resident at Sunrise of Guildford, said: “Although brief, as it was such a cold day, it was very nice to meet Jeremy and show that we are still standing strong through this pandemic.”
Jean Blyth, another resident at the care home, said: “It was very nice of him to come and turn the lights on for us. It makes us all feel still relevant. It’s nice to know he hasn’t forgotten about us, although we moved out of our homes and into a care home. He is still an MP for a lot of us.”
