Published on Monday 08 June 2020
A message of thanks is being made to Dorset’s care homes, domiciliary and supported living teams from the range of organisations who have been working together during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A wide range of partners have been working jointly as part of a pan-Dorset social care group.
Members of the group have included representatives of care homes, domiciliary care, supported living, the NHS, NHS Dorset CCG, BCP Council, and Dorset Council, Dorset Public Health, Dorset Civil Contingencies Unit and the Care Quality Commission.
The group has been collaborating on coordinating support for care homes and domiciliary care and supported living providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anna Knight, Registered Manager at Harbour House, Bridport and the Chair of the Dorset Care Homes Association said:
"During these difficult and unprecedented times, I can honestly say that it has been an extremely positive and collaborative working/communication period between all of the organisations working so hard to keep our service users and staff safe and well.
"The care home, domiciliary and supported living sectors have worked more closely than ever before and have even been able to consider mutual aid between each other for now and the future."
Cllr Laura Miller, portfolio holder for adult social care and health at Dorset Council said:
"We really appreciate everyone’s efforts during these challenging times. I know many people working in care are tired, frightened and often lonely.
"The joint working has brought us all closer together and has really shown what positive outcomes we can achieve for the people we work with. Thank you for looking after people and thank you for keeping going."
Councillor Lesley Dedman, Portfolio Holder for Health & Social Care, BCP Council, said: "It is been really impressive to see the ways in which adult social care providers have come together to address challenges and find joint solutions to those challenges in what are unprecedented times.
"Not only have social care leaders and staff provided wonderful and high quality care for our residents but also care sector leaders have worked in close collaboration for the benefit of everyone who uses services and care sector staff. As Councils and the NHS we want to express our thanks to everyone working in the care sector at this time."
Vanessa Read, Director of Nursing and Quality, on behalf of NHS Dorset CCG, said: "We would like to thank everyone who has been working so well together during these challenging times. We would especially like to thank all of the staff working in the care sector for all that they are doing. Thank you."