Tributes paid to Fife's 'amazing' care home staff

From left Cllr David Graham, Nicky Connor, John Cooper, David Heaney and Ostlers House staff Kirsten Wilkie, Helen Oliver, Eddie Hepburn and Elaine Patrick. Kneeling is Elaine Siggers with the star of the show Ozzie the home's therapet.

Health care bosses and councillors have paid tribute to Fife’s care homes by highlighting the great work they do to support residents.

The support came on Care Home Day 2020.

Councillor David Graham, Fife Council spokesman for health said: “Our care home staff really are amazing, and I would like to thank every care home worker for the commitment and passion they show in supporting residents and their families, not only through this pandemic but every day.

From left Fiona Mckay, Paul Dundas, Rachel Payne, Jacquie Stringer and Katherine Spence.

"Staff have come up with so many different ways of keeping residents entertained and families and friends have been very supportive of the care and attention that their families have received, and they continue to receive.”

Cllr Graham joined ,Nicky Connor, Fife’s health and social care director, and David Heaney, divisional general manager at Ostlers House Care Home in Kirkcaldy.

Nicky said: “It really was very humbling speaking to staff. They are an inspiring group of people and what they have done to keep families connected throughout this period whilst visiting was cancelled has been really innovative.

"Having the ability to use iPads to connect with families and friends has made a huge difference and residents adapted well to using Facetime.

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"Visiting has now resumed, although this looks a little different with physical distancing measures and PPE now the norm. I can’t thank care home staff enough for their commitment to keeping their communities safe and well.”

Paul Dundas, Scottish Care and Fiona Mckay, head of strategic planning, performance and commissioning with FHSCP also went along to Bandrum Care Home in Saline to catch up with staff.

Fiona said: “We work closely with our independent care providers and relationships have been enhanced throughout the pandemic, supporting each other and working together has been key to everything we have achieved.

"The generosity also received from local organisations who have helped out during this crisis has been appreciated. This really is partnership working at its best”

Paul added: “Care homes are an essential part of our communities and staff demonstrate their commitment and compassion every day, always putting those they care for at the heart of everything they do.

"Their dedication and professionalism are inspirational, and I can’t thank them enough.”

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