Staff update - 3 November
Dear Colleague,
Firstly we want to thank you again for your continued effort and support at this challenging time for all of us involved in health and social care, not just in the Scottish Borders but nationally.
You will be aware that we have been dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak centred around Jedburgh which has involved some staff and home care clients. You may also be aware that we are also managing the response to an outbreak within Deanfield Care Home in Hawick.
We just wished to make you aware that a joint public statement has been issued today by NHS Borders which also identifies another outbreak, this time in the Greenlaw area which is also impacting on our home care service in this location.
In all these instances we are supporting our affected staff and clients and continue to work closely with NHS Borders to manage the situations. These outbreaks are all impacting on staff in one way or another and we would like to put on record our thanks to all staff who have played a role in helping us to respond, ranging from taking part in joint meetings to providing cover for colleagues as they await test results.
Unfortunately there is another matter to make you aware of. We understand that the Daily Record is likely to run a story in the coming days regarding staff at Saltgreens Care Home.
You may be aware that a small group of staff from Saltgreens and some other areas had allegedly on a number of occasions breached the Government guidance on social gatherings. A number of videos are in circulation of the alleged gatherings and the article is likely to be critical.
Another video clip the journalist has relates to a morale boosting exercise with staff singing and dancing in the foyer of Saltgreens Care Home. We do not believe staff were acting inappropriately and it was intended to raise spirits and motivate staff. This may also feature in the story, however we will not be drawn into commenting specifically on this video to avoid any risk of a supportive comment being taken out of context or being aligned to the other videos.
We have responded to the press enquiry stating “Scottish Borders Council requires all staff to comply with Government guidance. Any member of staff who has breached COVID-19 guidance instigated by the Scottish Government or the Council will have their conduct investigated and appropriate action will be taken. We have robust procedures for managing conduct issues and are unable to comment further on individual staff members at this point.”
We wanted to reassure you that this does not reflect on you and the incredible job you are all doing. It’s very regrettable that such an article may be run and we wanted to ensure staff were aware. All your colleagues appreciate all your hard work and effort in what are challenging times.
Regards
Jen Holland, Chief Operating Officer, SB Cares
Rob Dickson, Executive Director, SBC
Clair Hepburn, Service Director, HR and Communications, SBC