Sadly we have to confirm that we have had a further death of a resident after they had tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week.
Our deepest sympathies go out to their loved ones at this extremely distressing time and we continue to remember the other victims of this terrible disease.
This is deeply concerning and it shows that while the nationwide lockdown is easing, sadly, we must all remain vigilant. This virus remains horrific and is highly contagious.
Social distancing, handwashing and shielding our most vulnerable continue to be the most important things to do right now.
We continue to do everything we can to prevent the transmission of the disease. We work closely with Public Health England and infection control teams at the hospital to ensure we operate to the highest standards.
But while we continue to fight our hardest to stop transmission and do our best to keep infections and death rates down, we must also realise the situation care homes have faced in the whole country.
In Sheffield in particular, we have been hit by the lack of support from the City Council.
And it’s not just us who are saying this. Other care homes agree and as such as have come together to launch a petition to call on the Council to take immediate action.
You can sign the petition online at https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-fair-fees-for-sheffield-care-homes.
Please sign and share this petition.
It calls for Sheffield City Council to end the crisis in the city’s care homes by:
• Immediately increasing fees by the 15% recommended by Care England to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Making the planned strategic review of care in the city independent of current office holders and decision makers and for it to be published by September 2020.
• Ensuring care homes are given the adequate support and funding they need now and in the future.
You can find out more about this campaign by keeping an eye on our website for the latest news and we will continue to appear in the media to fight for our services in the short and long term.
Can we please remind families and visitors that we are still closed and request that you do not put our staff under any pressure to enter the homes. This increases the risk to our residents and staff during COVID-19.
Finally, just a reminder that to help families get a sense of what’s going on, we’ve increased the number of posts on our Facebook page to give you a glimpse of how we are trying to support our residents and make their lives as comfortable as possible.
This week we have been boosted by a donation of mobile phones and tablets as well as more cakes and treats from the community – including some from England footballer and Sheffield-boy, Kyle Walker. The mobile phones and devices will be with the homes from next week.
We are doing all we can to keep the spirits, morale and safety within our homes to the best of our ability. We have seen support from individuals, companies and community groups and it really means so much to us. We will personally thank you all individually when we are not so busy, but you all be remembered for what you have done.
Palms Row will provide all of the necessary support to make sure that ongoing care for residents continues in the same high standards that we have provided for many years, but we will also continue to put pressure on those who make the decisions not to forget about care homes during this crisis.
Nicola Richards,
Director