Staff working above and beyond putting the people we support first - FitzRoy

Staff working above and beyond putting the people we support first

Author: FitzRoy
Published: November 19, 2021

The Pastures is our nursing care home in Norfolk, where we support 12 people with learning disabilities who also have a range of complex physical and health needs. These have been challenging times for all care homes and sadly The Pastures did lose one resident to covid, which was absolutely heartbreaking.

Learning disability nurse Julie, one of five nurses at The Pastures, said:

“We’ve had  a challenging 18 months but what we – the nursing team – have really valued is the hard work, on a daily basis, from our great team of support workers. They remain enthusiastic and motivated, putting the people we support first. They are working extra on their weekends off,  coming in early before their shifts or back after their shifts, and doing everything they can to keep the people we support safe and fulfilled.

“Alexa – The Pastures Activities coordinator has also worked tirelessly, planning and developing our sensory garden as well as a whole host of day to day activities for residents to get involved in, she is currently working with the people we support planning for Christmas activities.”

The nursing team want to say ‘a huge thank you’ to all the support workers, for working so well together as a team during these challenging times, while still supporting the residents to get out and about in the community and take part in their favourite activities. 

“So many of our residents love swimming, some can go to the local pool, but others require more specialist equipment. As you can see from the photos of Anne-Louise, Tara and Rebecca, they absolutely love it.”

Service manager Debbie said: “The whole team have pulled together to keep things running as smoothly as possible. We are like a family, everyone has different skills and experiences that they bring to The Pastures and we all work together to make sure that the residents benefit from that expertise and commitment. I am proud of the whole staff team for everything they have achieved and not just during covid. Working here is an exciting opportunity to gain a wide range of skills, working in a lovely rural setting, where you can gain experience of supporting people who all have very individual and complex needs. I love working here.”

Regional manager Louisa added: “These are challenging times for the whole social care sector. Again and again we see examples of our staff going above and beyond. Thanks to the whole team at the Pastures, including our nurses, and in fact staff across all our services who have just been incredible. FitzRoy are doing everything we can to recognise their commitment and hard work.”

We are currently reviewing our whole pay structure, but have also implemented a temporary winter covid enhancement of an extra £4.50 an hour for overtime worked to thank staff who are able to make that commitment, and help get us through these difficult times.