Is it an emergency?
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in Ipswich and East Suffolk News, West Suffolk News
Staff in Suffolk care homes are invited to attend the first county-wide networking event specific for care homes since the pandemic began.
There are around 7000 care home staff, working in 125 homes and looking after 4500 residents across east and west Suffolk, and this Suffolk Care Homes Conference is an opportunity to reconnect, learn and reflect with colleagues face-to-face after an incredibly challenging two years for the sector.
The event is being held at Blackbourne Community Centre on Thursday September 29 from 1 – 4 p.m.
The COVID pandemic hit care homes hard and there will be the chance for staff to meet with their peers and representatives from teams across health and social care, and healthcare professionals are on hand to give information and support so staff and homes can continue to deliver high quality care.
Another important aim of the event is to highlight the gratitude felt by the wider health and care system towards care home staff for working tirelessly to protect and support the wellbeing of their residents.
Ben Harvey, NHS Suffolk Care Homes Lead, said: “It’s well known the effect COVID had on care homes, and while the virus certainly remains and precautions are still in place, we hope this first conference in three years can mark a new beginning and a move forward for the sector.
“We can never forget the tragedy of so many deaths, yet it is important we recognise the dedication shown by care home staff in doing all they could for residents.
“We hope as many staff as possible can come along on the day. As well as offering useful and practical training updates, we want this event to be a celebration of a caring and hardworking cohort of workers who are an integral part of the health and care system in Suffolk.”
Cllr. Beccy Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Adult Social Care said: “Over the last few years there hasn’t been much time or opportunity for carers and staff to come together and reconnect. Suffolk County Council is proud to support this event and I hope as many carers as possible take this opportunity to get together, gaining valuable professional updates whilst also providing vital peer to peer support to one another.”
Any staff member interested in attending can register on the EventBrite website