Health and social care leaders in the county will be clapping for all the carers working in Cumbria this Thursday evening, in recognition of the exceptional work they are doing to support our most vulnerable residents.
Over 13,000 people are employed by independent and council run care providers, operating across 112 homes, caring for around 3,400 people, as well as providing care to thousands of people in their own homes. These staff are now on the front line of the battle to contain the spread of COVID-19 amongst the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Councillor Patricia Bell, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Up and down the county staff have been going above and beyond to support people and keep them safe in frequently challenging and distressing circumstances. I have heard many examples of compassion and selflessness from care staff and I want to thank all of them for doing such an important, and sometimes under-recognised job.
“Your hard work and commitment is paying off, and while it is still early days, it is positive that we have seen the number of homes experiencing outbreaks reduce over the last week. There is still a long way to go though and I want everyone working across the care sector to know they have our full support in the difficult weeks ahead and our thanks.”
Louise Mason-Lodge, acting director of nursing and quality for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “We work very closely with our home care and care home staff who are vital to keeping people safe and well cared for in their own homes. Carers are a hugely valued part of our health and care system and there is considerable work going on to ensure we are responding together to the challenges we are facing. We know carers often don’t get the recognition they deserve, but they are doing a fantastic job day in and day out and we simply wouldn’t manage without them.”
Professor John Howarth, COVID-19 strategic incident commander for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “Carers provide a vital service and in these extremely difficult times their support for those they care for is even more important. They make a huge difference to the lives of those they care for and they give support to the NHS. On behalf of this organisation I would like to take this opportunity to say thank YOU to all the carers.”
Aaron Cummins and Jerry Hawker, Joint Chief Operating Officers – Bay Health and Care Partners says: “Thursday evenings at 8pm really have been transformed right across the nation as we clap for our carers. The response from Morecambe Bay each week is truly amazing and tonight we want to extend our sincere thanks to colleagues who are working so very hard to care and protect the lives of vulnerable residents in our local Care Homes.
“The response across the health care sector has been phenomenal and the hard work and dedication has not gone unrecognised. By supporting each other and working together we are beginning to see the situation stabilise in our care homes and this is a result of the sheer professionalism colleagues have shown over the past few weeks and months. I urge everyone involved to continue this fight with the care and compassion I have seen across the sector and tonight we will clap a little harder for our health and social care workers.”
The most recent data for Cumbria shows that the number of Care Homes experiencing COVID-19 has reduced from 24 to 17 over the last week. However, as testing has been extended more positive cases are being identified. This improved information is helping to inform the approach being taken to support the county’s care sector. That work is being led by Cumbria County Council along with local NHS organisations to ensure that care providers have access to the right PPE, are supported with staffing if required and are given the right advice and guidance on infection prevention and control.
