CARERS and care home staff are being hailed as the ‘unsung heroes’ of the coronavirus pandemic.

Senior figures from both Cheshire East and West councils have praised the inspirational key workers for caring for our community’s most vulnerable at this unprecedented time.

Cllr Laura Jeuda, cabinet member for adult social care and health at Cheshire East Council, says the county should ‘salute’ its care workers for their ‘hard work and real dedication’.

“They have really been at the sharp end of this crisis and continue to be so,” she said.

Northwich Guardian:

“We simply could not have asked for more from social care providers and their dedicated staff. They have been, and continue to be, real heroes – putting themselves on the frontline of the fight to combat this awful pandemic to care for our older, frail and vulnerable people.

“It has been a massive effort and we are all in awe of their inspirational selflessness and dedication – alongside that of our other key workers.

“They have responded in adversity and shown tremendous and dedicated support to those not able to receive this in person from their own families, because of coronavirus restrictions.”

Carers faced challenges in sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly earlier in the pandemic.

Many care homes have also had to deal with Covid-19 outbreaks and tragic deaths from the virus, while carers across the county have worked extended hours throughout the pandemic.

Cllr Val Armstrong, cabinet member for adult social care and public health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, added: “Now is the time to support all our care homes, care providers, care and support staff as we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.

Northwich Guardian:

“Care homes have worked with us from the early days of the outbreak sharing information so that we have a clear picture of the challenges they face.

“We worked closely together to make sure homes had advice and support on infection control measures and where there were shortages of PPE we provided daily deliveries.

“Our staff in adult social care are very often the unsung heroes and deserve the same level of recognition as our fabulous NHS.”