Health & Social Care staff in Guernsey and Alderney went the extra mile last week to ensure vital services were maintained, the President of the Committee for Health & Social Care has said.
Deputy Heidi Soulsby praised all operational teams and staff for their hard work and said they should all be rightly proud of their efforts.
“I always knew we had an extremely dedicated and hardworking team at HSC, but last week really showcased it for the whole island to see. Staff have routinely gone the extra mile to ensure vulnerable members of the community received the support they needed whatever the weather. Particular mention should go to our colleagues in Alderney who were hit much harder by the snow than Guernsey at the beginning of the week.
“From the moment the snow began to fall on Monday evening, it was all hands on deck. Our staff made sure all priority surgery went ahead as required, Outpatient clinics ran as scheduled, staff were transported to and from work and patients were transported to and from appointments. Around 500 community health and wellbeing home visits were carried out throughout each of the day, evening and night services.
“Hot meals were available in the restaurant; temporary sleeping accommodation was provided for those staff that chose to stay on site to ensure continuity of services, the Estates team kept our premises accessible and warm. The list goes on and on.”
Deputy Soulsby also praised the invaluable help provided by the Emergency Services, Civil Protection volunteers, husbands, wives and partners who worked with the teams (especially the community teams) to make sure people had essential supplies and services.
