About us

We have been providing housing, residential and nursing care to former seafarers, their widows and dependants for more than 150 years. Our residential and nursing care home, Belvedere House, together with our sheltered flats, is situated within the idyllic grounds of the Weston Acres Estate, near Banstead, Surrey.

A message from the Chief Executive – last updated: 30 December 2020

As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread fast throughout the community in this new phase, we are having to adjust our defences to do everything possible in order to keep it out of the Home and away from the residents in our care. With the Oxford vaccine now approved for use nationally, we really do have a key ally in the fight and it is thus hoped we are approaching the final phase of this dreadful time for all, particularly yourselves and your families. The current situation at Belvedere House as of 30 December is thus:

Visiting: as this new strain of virus is so easily transmissible by all accounts, at the moment we must be closed to all visits (the only exception are window visits for birthdays or room visits for end of life). We are, however, closely monitoring the latest government updates and advice, reviewing the visiting arrangements every Monday. We will let you know any changes.

Although this decision was very hard to take, we must ensure that we are reducing the risk of any spread of the virus, therefore reducing the risk for our residents and keeping them safe. As soon as we will be in a position to open for visits, we will let everyone know.

Testing: Since in order to keep our residents safe we must ensure as best as possible that we keep our staff safe and well, at the moment all our staff members are having three tests a week:

- One PCR and an additional Lateral flow test (rapid test) on a Tuesday; - One lateral flow test on Friday;

- If someone tests positive, all staff on duty with them will be tested daily for seven days.

Residents are tested monthly (and this may change to more frequently).

Vaccination: we are in constant contact with Dr Nathan from Longcroft Clinic as this is where our vaccines will most likely come from. As soon as we have a date, we will let everyone know: with the Oxford vaccine being far more easily transported and handled we have high hopes that we will be vaccinating residents and staff soon.

Please be assured that with the above we follow the government guidelines, applying any leeway that is available and makes sense in our situation, and we are doing everything we can to keep our residents and staff safe.

We know it has been a very challenging year and we very much appreciate your continuing support and trust to look after your loved ones.

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt O.B.E.

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