Officials across County Durham have praised their ‘social care army’ for the dedication and compassion shown by care workers during the Covid-19 crisis. County Durham Care Partnership, which brings together NHS organisations, Durham County Council and other providers to deliver improved, joined up health and social care services, has thanked all front-line carers across the county.
Sarah Burns, head of integrated strategic commissioning for Durham County Council and NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Care workers support the most frail and vulnerable people in our community whether that be in care homes, supported housing or in people’s own homes. “Alongside our doctors and nurses, they are at the front-line of the fight against coronavirus and their commitment and hard work is valued every day – even more so during this current crisis. “Care homes may be closed to visitors at this time but family and friends can be assured that their loved ones are well looked after and their wishes respected.” GP Dr Dilys Waller, Woodview Medical Practice, Cockfield, praised carers, residents and their families for their response and support during the Coronavirus pandemic. “Coronavirus is a huge concern to everyone, especially those working in care homes and family members of residents. “We know that in many cases it is the residents and their families wish that care is continued to be delivered in a planned way within the care home, by staff that have looked after them, often for years, who want to deliver the best care they possibly can.” Sue Jacques, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, expressed her appreciation for carers across the county. “We’d like to thank all carers who are working tirelessly, in partnership with us and other NHS services, to care for people at this time” she said. “Their dedication and compassion for vulnerable people across County Durham is clear and their commitment and hard work is valued every day – even more so during this current pandemic.” Cllr Lucy Hovvels MBE, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for adult and health services, added: “People who work in care help some of the most vulnerable members of our society and in the current climate those they look after are among the most susceptible to coronavirus,” she said.
“However we know the county’s care workers’ commitment to those they support has not been diminished by the threat of COVID-19 and on behalf of the council I would like to say a huge thank you to all of them.”
Durham County Council’s County Durham Care Academy has launched an online fast-track recruitment and training programme in response to the pressures placed on the sector by COVID-19.
Three key roles, including care assistants, kitchen assistants and domestic assistants are being recruited as part of the campaign. Applications received to date are currently being progressed to allow the hopefuls to be placed with care providers across County Durham.
Opportunities are available to anyone wishing to work in adult social care, including those without prior experience.
The academy is also offering remote training and development to provide potential new staff with the skills they will need to access opportunities in the sector.
Full details and how to apply can be found at: https://www.durham.gov.uk/careacademyrecruitment with regular updates on the Care Academy Facebook page: facebook.com/CareAcademyDurham
