Preparing for the Winter Season 2025
- guymurch
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
As we head into the colder months, the team at Wyndley Grange is working closely with health professionals to prepare for the winter season. Winter often brings more illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, and stomach bugs (like Norovirus). These can spread quickly and affect both residents and staff. Here’s how we’re preparing – and how you can help us keep everyone safe and well.
1. Vaccination and Staying Well
We’re encouraging residents and staff to take up flu and COVID-19 vaccinations where eligible.
These vaccines greatly reduce the risk of serious illness and help maintain smooth care through the winter.
If you’re unsure about vaccine eligibility or how to arrange one for your loved one, please speak with our nursing team or GP.
2. Hygiene and Infection Prevention
We’re following NHS Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance to keep our home safe:
Our staff complete refresher training on hand hygiene and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Supplies such as gloves, aprons, facemasks and cleaning materials are fully stocked and regularly checked.
You’ll see posters around the home reminding everyone to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” – this helps stop germs spreading.
Residents are supported to wash their hands regularly, especially before meals.
3. Visiting During the Winter
Please avoid visiting if you have a cough, cold, flu symptoms, diarrhoea, or vomiting.
During any outbreak, we’ll follow NHS guidance for safe visiting, which may include extra precautions or temporary restrictions.
In exceptional circumstances, please speak to the nurse in charge before visiting.
Look out for “Stop the Spread of Infection” signs at the entrance – these are there for everyone’s protection.
4. Our Winter Readiness Plan
We’ve reviewed and updated our infection control policies and outbreak procedures. This includes:
Clear communication pathways with our local NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) teams.
Ensuring all cleaning products and sanitiser solutions are in date.
Monitoring staff availability and arranging cover to maintain consistent care.
5. How You Can Help
Please let us know if your relative shows new symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, or upset stomach.
Continue encouraging good hydration and nutrition — this really helps during colder months.
Keep personal belongings (e.g. glasses, dentures, blankets) labelled so they don’t get misplaced during laundry or deep cleaning cycles.
6. Learn More and Stay Informed
For more advice, you can visit:
Infection Prevention & Control – NHS resources: https://www.infectionpreventioncontrol.co.uk
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
You can also call the NHS Infection Prevention & Control team for information or free resources at 01423 557340.
International Infection Prevention Week (19–25 October 2025)
This year’s theme is “Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention” – Unite, Protect, Prevent, Prevail.Together, we can make Wyndley Grange a safe, healthy, and warm environment for everyone.
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