Highland care workers praised for their level of commitment

THE efforts of care workers and NHS staff in the Highlands were commended yesterday after the level of their commitment during the snowy weather was revealed.

Health workers have been staying overnight in hospital accommodation to ensure departments are fully manned.

The “incredible job” of Highland Council care staff was also praised, with employees battling through heavy snow and forgoing days off.

NHS Highland’s chief operating officer Elaine Mead said: “Many staff have had treacherous journeys or even abandoned cars, and taken to walking into work.

“Others have even brought in overnight bags and stayed locally or in our facilities to be sure that we had enough staff to cover all of the wards, theatres and departments every day and night.”

She added: “We really have seen everyone pulling together and I want to thank them all for putting their own enjoyment of the festive period second to the needs of the service and our patients.”

Debbie Morrison, a senior home care organiser responsible for 52 home carers who serve 215 clients on the Black Isle and in the Dingwall area, said: “Because of the holidays we had a reduced number of carers working, but without their commitment to the clients we wouldn’t have been able to provide the level of service that we did.”
Admirable

Councillor Margaret Davidson, chairman of the council’s housing and social work committee, said: “I can’t thank the home care team enough for the sheer physical effort that they made to walk to many of their clients.

“The extra work and effort by all our home carers either by working when they were due to be on holiday or walking through the snow to get to clients is admirable.

“They have done an incredible job that is truly remarkable right through Christmas and the New Year, putting others before themselves.”