Gardiner's Homecare

10 Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DZ
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9.9 186 Reviews
  • Gardiner's Homecare, Reading
Gardiner's has over 50 years of providing domiciliary care to people in their own homes in and around Reading and South Oxfordshire.

Their experienced and friendly team are passionate about helping others and supporting them to continue independent and fulfilling lives in the comfort and familiarity of home.

If you are looking for someone to provide company and a little help around the house, or perhaps to assist with personal care or medication, Gardiner's can help.

Gardiner's takes great care to recruit care workers with a passion for helping others. They highly value their team, looking after them and supporting them at all times. It is a family business with an enviable reputation locally. They frequently receive fantastic feedback from grateful clients and their families, and indeed have been recognised by this website on several occasions for that.

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Care Provided by Gardiner's Homecare

  • Type of Service
  • Home Care Provider
  • Privately Owned
  • Specialist Care Categories
  • Call in Service
  • Cancer Care
  • Cleaning Service
  • Companionship
  • Dementia
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • High Dependency Care, two carers attending
  • Laundry Service
  • Learning Disability
  • Medication Assistance
  • Older Person Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Personal Hygiene Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite cover
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Shopping Service / Errands
  • Sit in Service
  • Transportation Service
  • Other Care Provided
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Adult Home Care (18+)
  • Hospital Discharge
  • Live in Carer
  • Personal Care (on a contracted hours basis)
  • Personal Care Assessments
  • Risk Assessments in the Home

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Gardiner's Homecare
  • Person in charge
  • Krista Hallett (Registered Manager)

Funding & Fees Guide for Gardiner's Homecare

  • Prices

  • Mon to Fri before 6pm - £38.50 per hour.
    Weekdays after 6pm + weekends all day - £42.90 per hour.


    Sleeping nights (10hrs): Mon-Thurs £181, Fri-Sun £203.
    Waking nights (10hrs): Mon-Thurs £236, Fri-Sun £264.

Gardiner's Homecare Reviews (186)

Total of 186, showing 21-40
9.9

Gardiner's Homecare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.942) out of 10, based on 38 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gardiner's Homecare has 186 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from C B (Daughter of Client) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All our carers were very friendly, polite and respectful. They fitted into our family life flexibly. They also gave good advice drawn from their experiences. They established a good rapport with my dad, which felt very comfortable and easy.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for sharing your experience of our support; much appreciated.


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Review from Russ S (Son of Client) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We started to use Gardiner's around Septemeber '22, and their services were required at an ever-increasing rate as my father became less physically able with other complex needs.
The carers provided by Gardiners were consummate professionals, and I knew at every stage my dad was in good hands. He had
one or two favourites, and if you're reading this, you know who you are! But all were kind, caring and professional. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gardiner's. My dad's needs became such that a nursing home was really the best option, but up to that point, the services provided were perfectly in line with his requirements.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Such lovely feedback; thank you. We shall be sure to let his team know, including his favourites!


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Review from Linda H (Daughter of Client) published on 19 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend Gardeners HomeCare for their outstanding attention to detail. Matching mum up with carers who were wonderful in every way. She regarded them as her friends and as well as other duties would spend time chatting with her.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Your recommendation is much appreciated. We are delighted to hear you appreciated the attention to detail and matching up of carers. We aim to tailor our support to the individual as much as possible.


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Review from Kate R (Daughter of Client) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's carers provided wonderful support to both my parents over many years. They were all absolutely top-notch and had patience and kindness that made all the difference. Mum and Dad always looked forward to the visits and the carers were knowledgeable and sensitive.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your great review and your lovely comments. Delighted to hear your parents looked forward to our visits.


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Review from Gillian M (Daughter of Client) published on 16 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We used Gardiner's for my dad back in 2017 so when it became apparent that my mum would benefit from some help we called them back. Firstly a number of staff they had back in 2017 were still with them, always a good sign. So secondly the way they dealt with me and especially my mum was with kindness
and compassion. We’ve used them most of 2023 until my mum went into care full time and can’t recommend highly enough.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

It was a pleasure to be able to provide support again. Thank you for your feedback, it is much appreciated.


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Review from Tim G (Son of Client) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to thank Gardiners and their team of carers and managers for their life-changing care for my mum and dad. My mum was diagnosed with PSP (a rare form of Parkinsons) several years ago. Her ability to look after herself has gotten significantly worse over the last 2 years and Gardiners have
stepped up to the mark every time with their support. The carers are incredibly capable, caring and actually fun, Mum and Dad look forward to their visits and the team is eager to fill their time doing anything they can to make my parents' life better. I could not recommend them highly enough and do not know what we would do without them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

How amazing to hear how life-changing our support has been! Thank you for such detailed feedback on our service and your recommendation. Your kind comments will be shared with the team.


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Review from E R (Daughter of Client) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers who looked after Mum at home provided care of a high standard. Staff were punctual, professional, courteous and kind. They regularly assessed and recorded Mum's care and all changes in Mum's condition. We were therefore confident that we knew exactly how Mum was every day and if her health
had changed in any way. It was really helpful to be able to access these care records every day. Mum enjoyed seeing all of the carers, as well as providing practical care they gave Mum the opportunity to chat and laugh with visitors other than family and she enjoyed all their visits. As Mum's condition deteriorated, we added in evening and night care. This care was not only necessary to keep Mum safe, but it reassured her family and gave us some welcome time off.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for such a detailed and positive review of our support service.


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Review from M P (Daughter of Client) published on 28 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was under the care of Gardiners, she was always treated with respect and dignity, it was the highlight of her day having the company of the two carers, who would clean, make her lunch, help her shower if needed and sit and chat which she loved.
Thank you ladies for doing an excellent job
in looking after her.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

How lovely to hear the visits were the highlight of her day! Will be sure to let them know, thank you.


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Review from Sandra I (Daughter of Client) published on 21 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that has been provided has been excellent. The care manager and her team are always very approachable, courteous, caring and efficient. My mum has reached a large amount of care over the past year and all the carers have been kind, thoughtful and treated Mum with kindness and respect. Mum has
made lovely relationships with some of the carers and we are sad that as Mum is now having to move into residential care she will miss 'the ladies' very much. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Gardiner's Homecare, they have been great.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Your feedback and recommendation are much appreciated, thank you. We shall share your lovely comments with her 'ladies' too.


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Review from Nick B (Son of Client) published on 16 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's Homecare have been looking after Mum for some time, helping her to remain at home for much longer than would have been possible otherwise. Mum was very weak following an illness and a short stay in hospital. I was staying at the house and it was during this time I saw first-hand how professional
and caring the Gardiner's staff were. They were a huge help at a very difficult time. We couldn't have managed without them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for sharing your experience of the support we provide. Delighted our team was able to help Mum live independently at home as long as she did.


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Review from Jane L (Daughter of Client) published on 1 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's provide wonderful carers who are kind, thoughtful and very professional. With their help, my mother was able to live at home despite her increasing frailty right to the end. The website kept me up to date with developments, which was much appreciated as I live abroad. The advice and help
from the administrative team, with frequent reviews, was excellent. They are an exemplary service, and I would not hesitate to recommend them. Thank you, Gardiner's.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to hear you find our service exemplary and our carers wonderful. Thank you for your comments.


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Review from James M (Son of Client) published on 21 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'd like to thank Gardiner's Homecare on behalf of our family on all the help and assistance they provided to my mother, while she got back on her feet after undergoing a couple of brain surgeries to deal with a subdural haematoma. The care was absolutely excellent and top notch. All the carers were
very professional, courteous, thorough and above all caring. My mum is doing well now and has moved on and we are hopeful that she can now remain independent for many years to come. Thank you once again to all the team at Gardiner's.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your great comments which will be shared with her team. We are pleased she recovered so well.


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Review from Matt A (Son of Client) published on 2 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's have been wonderful for my family. The caregiver staff were always attentive, patient and kind to my family member and the management team go out of their way to help with last minute requests. Can't recommend them enough. Thank you.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Great to hear you were happy with our support and thank you for your comments.


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Review from Andrew H (Son of Client) published on 22 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that my mother received from Gardiner's over several decades allowed her to fulfil her determined wish of living independently to the age of almost 101, despite her latterly having mixed dementia. The service was totally reliable throughout. Every single carer was always professional, thorough,
supportive, tolerant and compassionate and they all became friends of the family. The carers also regularly went the extra mile, often volunteering to perform tasks outside their allotted duties. Communication with the administrative staff was always straightforward and obliging whilst the mobile app meant that the family were kept fully informed of Mother's wellbeing and care status at all times. We were always aware of when the next care visit was due and by whom. We would fully recommend Gardiner's Homecare and pay tribute to all their wonderful, dedicated carers. Their service over many years proved absolutely exemplary. Thank you Gardiner's.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Such a positive and detailed review, thank you so much. Her team will love reading this feedback.


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Review from Kathryn C (Daughter of Client) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Carers gave individualistic care and were able to adapt to the needs of my mother who has Alzheimer's. My mother loved them coming and we as a family had confidence in the care and support that was given. Would highly recommend this agency and its staff who were all exceptional.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your high recommendation and the great feedback on the team's support provided to your mother.


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Review from William B (Husband of Client) published on 16 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first moment that I met Gardiner's, I realised I was dealing with a truly professional organisation. They went into my request for care for my wife before agreeing to take us on.
At no time have they let me or themselves down by not providing everything they promised. Their whole attitude
to my wife and her family was always full of empathy. This meant that we felt they were almost part of the family, as their sympathy and work dovetailed into our own approach.
My wife enjoyed the greatest level of care possible and this enabled her to live the final years of her life in some comfort and almost more importantly in a jovial atmosphere in which laughter played a most therapeutic part. She made great friends with the regular carers and I felt they shared mutual respect.
We have at no time questioned the wisdom of our decision.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you so much for this amazing feedback, which we feel so proud to receive.


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Review from Chris G (Son of Client) published on 16 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After many years caring for Dad and some years ago for Mum, myself and the whole family are so grateful for the exceptional care provided by Gardiner's Homecare.
Friendly, efficient, caring and hard working, is how I would describe all your staff, not phased by any situation they were confronted with.
Dad
will miss his dear friends from Gardiners, now he has gone into full time care, as will we.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you so much for the feedback - it's so good to know how much of a difference our team made.


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Review from Paul L (Son of Client) published on 1 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can only say good things about the service Mum and the family received from the team at Gardiner's Homecare. The organisation initially was very clear and helpful from all the staff. The ladies that visited Mum were all so professional. They alerted us to any issues as they arose and completed their
tasks always and on time. The online reporting was very helpful to us.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

That is great to hear, thank you for sharing and we are also glad you found the online report helpful. We know how reassuring it is to be able to read how family members are from the care notes recorded by the visiting team.


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Review from Robert L (Brother of Client) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We knew the care period might be short because my brother was unwell. Gardiner's staff embarked on a series of tasks and initiatives to improve his situation. I am so pleased he was surrounded by so much positivity. The house was tidier, the kitchen was organised and the laundry was under control. My
brother was brighter and more engaged than before. Thank you, Gardiner's staff!

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We are so glad to have been able to make a difference during your brother's short time with us, both from a practical perspective and a personal level.


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Review from John H (Husband of Client) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When we needed homecare for my wife who had come out of a lengthy stay in the hospital, we decided on Gardiner's Homecare as we knew of them having been in the area for many years. They were immediately helpful in being able to provide what we needed. Someone came out to see exactly what was wanted
and everything went like clockwork. What is impressive about Gardiner's Homecare is that they are supervising a number of carers from different backgrounds and ages, all of whom behaved very professionally but at the same time were very friendly. They were always on time and would do anything that we asked of them - I have never had so many shirts ironed! As my wife improved and we didn't need them anymore we were very sad to say goodbye to them. If we ever need carers in the future we won't hesitate to use Gardiner's.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for such lovely feedback and please do get back in touch if ever you would like our services again.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.942)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.942) out of 10 for Gardiner's Homecare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 38 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 38 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Home Care Provider is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.942 for Gardiner's Homecare is calculated as follows: ( (214 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 226 Ratings = 4.942

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows: 3 points for the first Positive Review, 2 points in total for each of the next 9 Positive Reviews (1st = 3, 2nd = 0.5, 3rd = 0.5, 4th = 0.25, 5th = 0.25, 6th = 0.1, 7th = 0.1, 8th = 0.1, 9th = 0.1, 10th = 0.1)

    The 5 points relating to the number of Positive Reviews for Gardiner's Homecare is based on 38 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows: 3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 5

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Home Care Provider does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 26 Apr 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (11)

John-Joe

John-Joe Cottam

Job Title: Managing Director

Joined: 2010

John-Joe is the joint owner and managing director of Gardiner’s Nursing & Homecare. He is the grandson of Gardiner’s founder Dorothy Gardiner. John-Joe studied Psychology at the University of Leicester before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2003.


John-Joe worked as an audit manager with many successful owner-manager-managed businesses until December 2009.


In 2010 John-Joe joined Gardiner’s, taking over the running of Gardiner’s Nursing & Homecare in April 2011.


Krista

Krista Hallett

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2015

Krista joined Gardiner’s as a Care Manager in March 2015. In September 2018, following Annabel’s retirement, Krista took on the role of Registered Manager.


Before joining Gardiner’s, Krista worked in the care sector for 10 years, starting as a healthcare assistant and then progressing to a Senior care worker/Care Coordinator, assisting with all aspects of the care industry.


Suzanne

Suzanne Screen

Job Title: Office Manager

Joined: 2013

Suzanne is the office manager here at Gardiner’s. Her role is to help ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, this includes looking after our accounts and payroll processes. Suzanne is involved in many other areas of the business including marketing and social media.


Prior to joining Gardiner’s in September 2013, Suzanne was the Practice Manager at Caversham Heights Dental Practice for over 15 years, working with David Cottam, John-Joe’s father.


Germaine

Germaine Goswell

Job Title: New Client Manager

Joined: 2024

Germaine's main responsibility is welcoming enquiries and answering any questions they may have. Anyone wishing to proceed with our service is then guided through the process of assessment and providing the required support.


Germaine has gained her NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care and has many years of experience in the care sector.


She has a wealth of knowledge that she can bring to the role and share with you.


Leanne

Leanne Edwards

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2016

Leanne's main role is to manage the support of her team of clients and care workers. She keeps in regular contact with them, adapting to their changing needs.


Leane has been in the care industry for a long time and joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in May 2016. In September 2017 she became a Senior Care Worker at Gardiner's before being promoted to the role of Care Manager.


Alex

Alex Snow

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2017

Alex's main role is to look after her team of clients and care workers, providing regular support and adapting to their needs.


Alex originally trained as a staff nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and went on to specialise in respiratory medicine before becoming part of the cardiac care team. She started with Gardiner's as a care worker before progressing to Care Manager, bringing a wealth and variety of experience.


Lianne

Lianne Maguire

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2015

Lianne manages a team of care workers and clients. She keeps in touch with them regularly to respond to any changes required.


Lianne, also known as Mags, had worked in the care industry for over 10 years before joining Gardiner's in 2015. She has a vast amount of experience and knowledge that she brings to the role of Care Manager.


Hayleigh

Hayleigh O'Brien

Job Title: Recruitment & Development Manager

Joined: 2021

Hayleigh looks after the recruitment of care workers and the continuing development of the team at Gardiner's.


Hayleigh joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in December 2021, previously working as an HR administrator.  She moved into her current position in May 2023, perfectly combining her knowledge of both previous roles.


Jasmine

Jasmine Corbin

Job Title: Care Co-rdinator

Joined: 2023

Jasmine oversees all the duties, booking in care workers for each visit. Her priority is to keep a regular team in place and as small a team as possible. Whilst also arranging cover for well earnt holiday and unexpected time off. Continuity of care is very important at Gardiner's.


Jasmine started at Gardiner's as a Care Worker so understands the needs of the clients and the care workers and the value of matching the right people.


Tracy

Tracy Beamond

Job Title: Senior Care Worker

Joined: 2018

Tracy supports the office team and care workers. Her role varies from completing client assessments, reviews and to guiding and observing care workers.


Tracy joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in November 2016 before becoming a Senior Care Worker in June 2018. Before this, she worked with adults with learning and physical difficulties supporting them in their own homes. Before that Tracy worked in various children's residential homes.


Cheryl

Cheryl Willis

Job Title: Office Administrator

Joined: 2011

Cheryl is the welcoming face of Gardiner's Homecare. She is based on reception and greets visitors with a warm smile and if is unable to assist herself, she points you in the right direction.


Cheryl started at Gardiner's in 2011 as a Care Worker before progressing to Office Administrator in 2014. She has a variety of experience having also come from a background in pensions, retail, accounts, and administration.


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