WATCH: Ross-shire care homes operator in vigilance call over potential third wave of Covid-19 at end of 'relentless, exhausting' year
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE operator of a care home group set to add open a third Ross-shire facility within months has urged caution against "the very real" risk of a third wave of Covid-19.
Parklands Care Homes managing director Ron Taylor made his remarks at the end of a "relentless, exhausting year" which offered light at the end of the tunnel in the form a a vaccine.
Parklands runs care homes in Tain and Muir of Ord and is set to open a long-awaited one in Fortrose early in 2021.
Mr Taylor said: "In the meantime, we must remain vigilant. The pandemic is still very much with us, and the risk of a potential third wave in February or March is very real. So, we must keep our guard up to prevent a resurgence of the virus. While we are undoubtedly in a better position than we were at the start of the pandemic, we remain extremely alert. Keeping the virus at bay informs every aspect of our day to day work.
"The key to delivering our success has been our outstanding and caring team of staff. I am immensely proud of the sacrifice they have made and it is deeply humbling to see them hard at work, doing everything they can to ensure our residents stay healthy and happy. They are an asset to Parklands and to the communities in which they live and work.
"I never tire of telling politicians and stakeholders how incredible our employees are – a relative once aptly described them as the ‘Parklands Angels.’"
The group ended the year with a number of new awards – amongst them for communication.
Mr Taylor said: "The pandemic has forced care operators across Scotland to rethink the way they operate. With visits to care homes suspended for much of the year, we turned to social media and video technology to keep families connected. It has been a godsend and I know how much relatives have appreciated the chance to speak to their loved ones, albeit at a distance.
"Things we all take for granted – a hug from family and friends or a visit to a local shop – have been denied to our residents because of the pandemic, and that has been especially painful. The virus has been unforgiving, robbing relatives of precious time with loved ones, but better times lie ahead. With visitor restrictions easing and a vaccine in place, we can now offer some hope and comfort to our residents who have been separated from their family and friends."
He went on: "And so, we look forward to 2021 and an exciting year ahead. Our new care home in Fortrose – Eilean Dubh – will welcome its first residents early in the new year. It is shaping up to be a superb asset for the local community. Residents will enjoy state of the art facilities and awe-inspiring views over the Moray Firth."
He said: "After a difficult year, we look forward with hope in our hearts. On behalf of our team, I wish you peace, joy and happiness for the coming year."