Leaders and staff were delighted today after The Whiteley Homes Trust was confirmed as a finalist in the Outstanding Response to COVID in Social Care category at last night’s prestigious national LaingBuisson Awards 2021
The awards recognised excellence in leadership and service delivery during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our charity which houses and cares for older people mostly of limited means on our estate at Whiteley Village in Hersham, has a remarkable Covid safety record: with over 400 vulnerable residents living on site, and only two Covid cases and no deaths in our care homes.
The Trust put strict infection control in place early on in the pandemic and staff pulled together to support a number of measures to protect and support residents during the months of isolation. We were praised by the CQC for our actions and asked to share our learning and best practice with other providers.
Kevin Humphrys, the Trust’s Director of Care & Community, said: “This is the first time we have entered these national awards and so we were delighted to be shortlisted from over 500 entries. To be confirmed as a finalist amongst just ten other contenders, given the incredibly strong competition we faced from some of the biggest providers in the business, is absolutely fantastic and testament to the diligence and commitment of our brilliant staff.
“So, to our frontline care and nursing colleagues who looked after and supported residents throughout in some of the toughest of times, and to those working behind the scenes in administration, housekeeping and catering – and to all those who contributed to our response to the pandemic – this success belongs to you!”
Rachel Hill, Chief Executive said: “We could not be prouder of our charity than we are tonight! On behalf of our Leadership and Trustees, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have worked so tirelessly to keep our residents, visitors and each other safe.
“I would also like to thank all our wonderful volunteers and those who so generously supported our fundraising campaigns and made donations in kind such as vital PPE equipment or the electronic devices which helped isolated residents keep in touch with their families. We could not have achieved what we have without you, and we continue to be incredibly grateful to all those who support our vital work for older people in need”.
