Northamptonshire’s oldest resident, 109-year-old Joyce, receives Covid-19 vaccine

A care home resident who is believed to be the oldest person in Northamptonshire has received her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Joyce Wooding lives at Collingtree Park Care Home in Windingbrook Lane, Northampton, which has recently undertaken a vaccine programme for staff and residents.

At the age of 109, Joyce, who was born in Staverton near Daventry, is also in the top 20 oldest people in Britain.

The former trained nanny and shop worker, who lived in Wootton until she moved to the care home in 2018, is hopeful receiving the first dose of the vaccine is a step in the right direction as she is missing her friends.

Joyce said: “I am so pleased to be given the vaccine. It is the first step in getting things back to normal.

"I miss my friends and can’t wait for them all to be able to visit me again.”

General manager at Collingtree Park, Natalie Norman, added: “Last year was like no other and the vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Joyce is a very popular resident and always has a tale to tell. She even had asymptomatic Covid but nothing gets her down.

“The team here has been magnificent in rising to every challenge of the pandemic and we’re proud to play our part in the vaccination programme to protect the most vulnerable people.

“We look forward to the gradual return of freedoms we have missed and taking residents on trips out again.”

The care home can safely welcome new residents, due to protocols such as a transition period into the home to keep everyone safe, and a Covid-safe visiting suite so families can see their loved ones.

Natalie added: “We love caring for Joyce and want to help more people.

“People are asking about short term respite care at the moment, to regain wellbeing lost during the pandemic and for social contact.

“Respite care also gives families a rest and lets them plan holidays, when the time is right.”

Collingtree Park can be contacted on 01604 763623 to discuss care for new residents.

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