An update from our CEO
I know that this continues to be a worrying time for all of us and I wanted to give you a quick update on what is going on here.
Agincare teams across the country managed the ‘first wave’ of the Covid-19 pandemic very well, amidst challenging circumstances for the health and social care sector.
We have reflected on lessons learned during this period and this has helped us manage the ongoing situation and find positives in some of the changes that had to be made in response to the pandemic. So, while we have recently seen infection rates rise in certain areas and a second lockdown introduced, Agincare services continue to show resilience and excellent management of ever-changing situations.
We’re in a strong position
Our care homes are certainly in a much stronger position than in the first wave. We have enhanced infection control procedures, large supplies of our own PPE stock in addition to that coming via the Government portal, and most importantly, reliable and routine testing for our teams and residents.
In our home care, live-in care and supported living services we are supporting teams and people to access testing in the community. We are also currently investing in a pilot for rapid testing in some areas where this can help facilitate quicker, safer returns to work and easier safe visiting to people in our care homes.
Fantastic care teams
Teams in our care homes have done a fantastic job of finding innovative ways of enabling social contact and safe visiting, as we know the emotional impact this is having on so many people. They continue to work with all parties, including local authorities and Public Health England, to keep our residents’ needs and care at the centre of all they do.
In our home care, supported living, live-in and day and respite services our fabulous teams have often stepped in to provide additional, responsive care and support to people where other services or support structures have been unable to. There are heart-warming stories, photos and videos across all of our services about the care being given. I am eternally grateful to our fantastic care teams, and our support and management teams, for this level of commitment.
Our focus this winter
In these difficult times Agincare is strong, viable and sustainable. We remain focused on areas of service growth and diversification, the training and development of our teams, and working with partner councils and NHS organisations to provide essential services in the community. Our absolute focus remains the health and wellbeing of our service users and our teams – their wellbeing and morale through these winter months is a key priority.
Keeping pace with the latest guidance
Government guidance changes constantly. Our team works round the clock to communicate information, guidance and policy change throughout our services as quickly as possible to ensure quality, safe care delivery. We continue to contribute at the highest level to Government policy and good practice guidance. And we remain committed to ensuring long-term social care reform and funding, both for those receiving care and our workforce, who deserve better recognition and reward.
We are really pleased that feedback this year – through surveys, meetings and other contact – has been overwhelmingly positive. Please continue to check our website, news pages and social media for regular updates, and please do bear with us and let us know if there is anything we can be doing differently or better.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Raina Summerson
Group CEO
