The Trust is working collaboratively with local health and social care providers in its bid to win the fight against COVID-19.
Our organisation has been working together with Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group and both Stockton and Hartlepool Local Authorities. Continuing to support local care homes and build on excellent relationships. Which have stood them in good stead for their united response to the coronavirus.
Before the pandemic hit, organisations in the region already worked closely together. Oftern coming up with ground breaking ways to care for their local communities. This collaborative approach had previously seen the implementation of the integrated Single Point of Access team based in Hartlepool. With a similar model also developed in the Stockton locality.
Colleagues from multiple disciplines sit in one room with one joint goal. A dedication and determination to improve health outcomes for all in the region. They ensure access to health and Social Care for adults within the community is a straight forward and simplistic process. Ensuring that patients have access to ‘the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time’.
In recent weeks the Trust has also extended its COVID-19 testing facility for those care home staff who are in need too. This is a crucial move in the regional effort to keep health and social care workers safe and healthy in their fight against the virus.
The Trust has also been supporting with expertise from its Infection Prevention and Control nurses. Who have been visiting local providers too, ensuring their staff are confident in the use of PPE and when it should or shouldn’t be worn.
At the beginning of the global pandemic, both local authorities organised a care home provider event where representatives from the Trust attended. They discussed the issues facing us all and how we could support each other to do the best for the communities we serve. This planning in the early phase allowed us to be as prepared as possible to face the challenges ahead.
Working closely with local care homes is absolutely essential to winning the battle against COVID-19. North Tees colleagues often care for the patients of care homes, but recently they’ve been caring for the staff too. Lynn Morgan, Senior Clinical Matron for the Healthy Lives Group at the Trust explains ‘As a Trust we have been inundated with generous offerings from the public, from local businesses and from local eateries too. We have shared the love with our care home colleagues by re-directing care packages and donations. This is just one example of the on-going support we are providing one another during this pandemic. Now more than ever we must strengthen our relationships, coming together to respond to this deadly threat. In recent times we have prided ourselves on our ability to work together quickly and efficiently. Ensuring that the people of North Tees and Hartlepool get the best care, in the best place. Coronavirus has been a true test of this. I’m proud to say we have all prevailed, coming out fighting together.’
Jackie Lothian, Manager of Highfield Care Home in Yarm said of the team ‘I just wanted to thank the District Nurses team for their support here at Highfield. Their professionalism and sunny nature is always so appreciated. They have all taken the time out to tell us how well we are doing. In times like this, a little thank you is such a morale boost. I can’t tell you how much this has meant to me and my staff. We are sending a little thank you to the team. You guys play such a vital role and I am so grateful for the support you give our home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’
Michelle Wild, Community Matron for the Trust added ‘We are out in the community every single day during this pandemic. We continue to support our local health and social care providers in both the Stockton and Hartlepool areas. As a team, we are more passionate than ever about continuing to work in our care homes. Looking after our frail elderly community and keeping them out of hospital where ever we can.’
A spokesperson for Hartlepool Borough Council highlighted ‘It’s absolutely essential that we work together to support people living in care homes. And to support the staff who provide such exceptional love, care and support to them. Particularly in such challenging times. Our close working relationships with the Trust and our shared commitment to provide the best possible services together has really helped in our COVID19 response. It’s wonderful to see staff across our organisations working together every day. Providing such fantastic support to people in our communities.’
