Update from our Chief Executive, Philip Bartey

At long last it would appear we are witnessing the beginning of the easement of lockdown following the long and terrible impact the pandemic has had on all our lives.

Whilst many are rightly feeling joy and relief to be free to meet and hug loved ones, to think and plan holidays and family reunions then this can only be a good thing. But let us take a moment to remember all those poor souls who lost their lives, the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and wider family members who are lost forever. Those families are completely devastated as they try to come to terms with their terrible loss.

I would also like to pay tribute to all the social care and NHS staff that have endured terrible experiences and tragic loss during the pandemic. I wish to pay tribute to all my staff who have stepped up to the line and worked extremely hard during this period to ensure all those people charged to our care are properly supported and protected. None of this has been easy by any means and it has resulted in high stress levels and anxiety affecting many of our people.

I still hope and pray that your tremendous effort will not be lost on the government and that they will find a way to ensure you are all properly recognised and remunerated for the very skilled and difficult work you undertake daily. Boris Johnson has promised substantive reform of the social care sector and his plan for doing so is long overdue.

My thanks also go out to all the parents and families of those people we are privileged to support. You have entrusted your loved ones into our care and your trust in our service and teams is greatly appreciated. Your patience and support during this pandemic has been outstanding.

I hope now that we can all look forward to a return, as close as possible, to the happy routine of life that we will never again take for granted.

This may not be the last we will see of Covid 19. I cannot believe we have reached the end, or even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. I wish you all a swift and happy return to near normality as I take this opportunity to thank you all for your amazing support.

Philip