Encore Care Homes Welcome MP Tobias Ellwood For Volunteer Visit
BOURNEMOUTH East MP, Tobias Ellwood recently made a visit to Encore Care Homes – Fairmile Grange care home in Christchurch where he volunteered his services. Meeting the care team, Mr Ellwood was given an insight into the challenges that face the local care sector during the lockdown.
The Conservative MP participated in a training session to correctly ‘don and doff’ PPE equipment before meeting residents in the gardens for a socially-distanced afternoon tea.
Tobias Ellwood, Bournemouth East MP said: “A huge thank you to Encore Care Homes – Fairmile Grange for allowing me to learn first-hand about the challenges they and other care homes are currently facing and appreciate the hard work and commitment of all the key workers who continue to provide such high quality care at this difficult time. It’s very clear more must still be done to support all care homes across the country – given how vulnerable the elderly population is to COVID-19.”
While in the gardens, Mr Ellwood joined in the 96th birthday celebrations for resident Mr Colin West and listened to the experiences of fellow residents and carers.
The popular residential, nursing and dementia care home is based in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital off Fairmile Road and can accommodate 80 residents.
Mr Ellwood added: “It was a particular pleasure to say hello to WWII veteran Colin West on his 96th birthday. I look forward to taking him to the Veterans’ Breakfast Club when it is eventually safe to do so.”
Cecilia Thomson, Home Manager for Fairmile Grange, said: “We welcomed Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood to Fairmile Grange and gave him the opportunity to experience life in the care home. We provide all visitors with a warm welcome and were thrilled that Mr Ellwood took such an active role participating in PPE training and spending time with our residents in the gardens. Our incredible staff range from carers, housekeeping to catering. They have been doing a fantastic job and we really do appreciate their dedication to our residents in these challenging times.”
In recent weeks, Rachel Dryden CEO of Encore Care Homes has also made national headlines by successfully championing better local access to coronavirus testing for the team and residents.
Encore Care Homes have also led the way in the procurement and provision of PPE equipment. Sharing their advice and experience with government departments and colleagues in the care sector.
Rachel Dryden, Chief Executive Officer of Encore Care Homes said: “We have an immense sense of pride working in the social care sector and the privilege of looking after our residents. Mr Ellwood’s visit was a welcome gesture of solidarity and support in the community. We are currently recruiting additional staff on a full, part-time and voluntary basis for what has never been a more vital and rewarding career. As an organisation we are fully committed to ensuring that every team member is fully supported and we provide access to a range of financial and wellbeing benefits.”
