Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, Director at Askham Village Community, gives an insight into how a UK care home is handling the current coronavirus outbreak, with a view to putting a positive light on the situation.
“The current and ongoing situation is an enormous challenge for the health and social care sector. We are seeing offices close, events cancelled and flights grounded. People are afraid. Yet at Askham, and for most of the sector, we must carry on with business as usual.
We have had to make changes to how we work and restrict access by non-essential visitors. We have had to scour the internet looking for essential items in short supply. But if a resident has a cough or fever, we must continue to care for them – albeit with the requisite precautions. Our staff, health and social care professionals, are still making them smile.
While we manage infection risk, we will not allow our residents to feel isolated. We congratulate all those working in Health & Social Care in these challenging times. Working together and working hard to keep people safe.
One of my team messaged me after a crisis planning meeting. She signed off: “We are proud to be carers, nurses, healthcare professionals, managers and members of Askham Village Community, and this shall continue both during the threat of COVID-19 and beyond.” This is the spirit that will carry us all through.
The comment above is correct as of 16.03.20, but obviously could be subject to change depending on how the situation develops.
