A COMPANY that provides home care for elderly people has reassured residents and relatives of a Basingstoke home that a sickness bug was "an isolated incident".

Apex Prime Care responded to concerns raised by relatives of Abbey Court Care Home, in Popley Way, Popley, regarding a possible outbreak of norovirus following an event to celebrate The Queen's jubilee. 

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One relative, who did not want to be named, told the Gazette that an event to celebrate The Queen’s jubilee had gone ahead despite staff being aware of residents suffering with sickness.

People from outside the home were invited in to join the celebrations including children from a nearby nursery, councillors, and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller. 

Apex Prime Care said: “There were no confirmed cases of norovirus at Abbey Court, at any time.”

However, it confirmed that it was made aware of residents suffering from a “minor sickness bug” after the jubilee celebrations.

A statement from the company added: “On the day of the jubilee celebrations, an event organised by one of our volunteers and the events committee, Apex Prime Care were not made aware of a norovirus outbreak (sic).

“We have since been made aware of residents being affected by a minor stomach bug and took steps to control this in line with our policies and guidance.

“We would like to reassure that this is an isolated incident and remind our service users and families that we are here for any enquiries they have.”

Apex Prime Care provides care to 40 residents at Abbey Court, which is a supported living facility.

The relative also told The Gazette that following the sickness bug several senior members of staff suddenly left without notice.

A spokesperson for Apex said it was unable to comment on “individual’s circumstances” but added: “We would like to reassure our residents that there is an experienced manager on site at Abbey Court.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “Hampshire County Council has no involvement in any local decisions regarding events at Abbey Court.

“This is an extra care independent living development which means it is managed by a social housing landlord, with care commissioned by the county council from a private provider.

“The latter, in this care Apex Prime Care, is responsible for organising events on site, and will take decisions relating to any measures required to keep residents well.”

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