RESIDENTS at a care home are welcoming their loved ones back indoors for the first time since March.

Chawley Grove care home in Cumnor has created a self-contained and safe visitation suite.

The lounge's features include a floor-to-ceiling clear screen which allows visits to take place without the need to wear a mask.

Read here: University defends theatre event

The totally enclosed space allows residents relatives to enter and exit without having any contact with the main building.

As the winter months approach the care home says it is 'committed to ensuring relatives and friends are able to see their loved ones in the comfort and safety of the home thanks to the Covid-secure family and friends lounge.'

Mary McAvoy, 93, and her daughter Anne Hodgson, were the of the first to use the lounge.

Ms McAvoy, a former teacher at Our Lady's Abingdon School, said: "The room is wonderful - I don't know who thought of it, but what a fantastic idea! "It was so lovely to see my daughter and wonderful to have that contact.

"It makes such a difference to have these family visits.

"The ladies here do such a fantastic job - I don't know how they do it. I feel so safe here and it makes such a difference to have these family visits."

Read also: Care homes are now covid-secure and ready for a second wave

Ms McAvoy, who has four children and 11 grandchildren, has lived in Oxford since she was 7.

Any loved one has the option of using the the suite as winter sets in.

Home manager Theresa Whitford said: "Maintaining relationships and seeing loved ones is a key part of anyone's emotional and mental well being.

"This has been one of our greatest focuses during Covid-19.

"It is so important to keep these ties. Now we have a wonderful Family & Friends Lounge which allows people to stay connected.

"This is a very welcome addition to our home, and we are glad to see it being used so joyfully."