East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Alison Macdonald thanks care home staff, residents, families and the community
'You have done a fantastic job in a really challenging time.’
Alison Macdonald, ELHSCP Chief Officer
‘Today is national Care Home Day in Scotland. This year’s theme is “Care Community”, which is appropriate given how well all care homes in East Lothian have worked together to keep residents and staff as safe as possible during the past few months.
'There is a real sense of community in care homes in East Lothian and they have all gone the extra mile to make sure that residents and families can stay in touch. And, I’d like to thank all the community groups and business who have been so supportive and donating iPads, food, toiletries and even handcream for staff.
‘They demonstrate how much communities care about their local care homes and all the people in them.
‘But most of all, I would like to thank staff, residents and relatives for making the best of a very difficult situation. They have supported each other throughout and have continued to try to get the most out of life under lockdown. Whether it’s making videos, having VE day parties, singing, baking or just cheering each other up when the going was a bit tough, they have shown that taking a positive approach can make such a huge difference.
‘It’s lovely to see all the gazebos going up in care home grounds now that we have been able to open up restricted visiting. I know those reunions after so long apart mean an awful lot. I’m looking forward to the day when we can open up visiting a bit more, which will come if all of us in the community can remember to continue sticking to the guidelines and keep the infection rate down across Scotland.
‘So, thank you, residents, staff, families and communities for all your support and Happy Care Home Day 2020. You have done a fantastic job in a really challenging time.’