Care home vaccine news welcomed in North Yorkshire but with concerns
North Yorkshire care providers have welcomed the news that the Covid-19 vaccine would be going into larger care and nursing homes but are worried smaller ones could be missing out.
North Yorkshire care providers have welcomed the news that the Covid-19 vaccine would be going into larger care and nursing homes but expressed their fears that smaller homes could be missing out.
The Independent Care Group (ICG) said today's news that care homes with more than 50 beds would be getting the vaccine as a priority was great news.
But it was worried that operators with fewer than 50 beds and designated settings were being left behind and that they needed it just as much.
ICG Chair Mike Padgham said:
"Today's news is very welcome. The Government said that residents and staff in care and nursing homes would be the top priority for the vaccine and we have been waiting for that to become evident. Although a priority, a lot of care home staff who could visit a hub are also missing out. The Government needs to act on this much faster.
"We understand the challenges in transporting and storing the vaccine and the impact that has on distributing it quickly.
"Nevertheless, residents in smaller homes need the vaccine too and as these homes operate on tight margins when it comes to staffing levels it is vital that they get vaccinations for their staff as a priority as well.
"At best the vaccination of staff across the country is patchy and depends largely on where you live. We need to ensure that all staff can get to hospitals or primary care network hubs to have the vaccination as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, the ICG have also today paid tribute to the excellent support it has received from its local authority as it helps providers to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
The group said North Yorkshire County Council had been a vital ally in the fight against the virus this year.
Mike added:
“This has been an extremely difficult year for care providers across North Yorkshire and we have really appreciated the support we have received from North Yorkshire County Council.
“They responded really well and have been both a valuable partner against Covid-19 and a support to the sector through funding, guidance and advice throughout.
“If there are any positives to come out of Covid-19 – and I know we aren’t over it yet – it has been the excellent partnership working the care sector and North Yorkshire County Council have maintained.”
He paid particular tribute to NYCC Chief Executive Richard Flinton and Richard Webb, Corporate Director Health and Adult Services, for their contribution.
“Partnership working is the only way to achieve success in social care and we are extremely fortunate in North Yorkshire to have a good relationship with the local authority.
“Of course, we don’t always agree on everything but overall, it is an excellent working relationship.”
The ICG represents care providers who look after people in their own homes, in care and nursing homes and extra care housing as well as providing day care and support for those with learning disabilities and mental health problems.