23 December 2021
I am writing to you to update you and acknowledge the challenges with staffing levels over the recent weeks. Whilst it’s important to acknowledge these challenges it’s also important to let you know everything we are doing to try and overcome them.
Firstly, I’d like to thank those of you that continue to come to work each day even when the circumstances are challenging. Your dedication to your team members and our residents has not gone unnoticed and we would like to thank you for your efforts.
Despite all our efforts, unfortunately circumstances continue to challenge us. It is during these times, more than ever we have to work together to ensure we keep each other and our residents safe.
You will be aware that we have had a positive COVID-19 case at Taylor House and in the Admin team. In addition, with the increased COVID-19 community transmission we are experiencing unprecedented levels of staff needing to self-isolate due to being close or casual contacts. At this stage we presently have 50 staff members who are unable to attend their shifts due to needing to self-isolate. In addition to this we have had:
- A small number staff who have tested positive for COVID-19, requiring them to not be able to attend work for a few weeks;
- We have unprecedented numbers of staff requesting emergency leave without notice given and requesting months at a time off;
- Given the time of year, some staff were approved annual leave, however this was months ago, at the time that this leave could be replaced.
It has never been our intention to place increased demands on staff, however unfortunately, given the circumstances above we are in a situation where there are simply no extra staff to replace the number of shifts that we have. Replacing 50 employees at short notice is very challenging under the best of circumstances.
What are we doing to resolve the issue?
- We are working with People and Culture to assist with recruitment including short term casual placements over the Christmas and Holiday period.
- We have requested support from our local support services team to man the RA Testing stations which will provide us coverage over the Christmas period ensuring any care staff can focus on providing care.
- We have reached out to local universities to recruit students into support or AIN roles.
- We are working with various recruitment agencies to supply temporary staff to fill vacant shifts.
From you we simply ask that if you require time off that you adhere to the policies and provide sufficient notice so that your shift can be replaced and your team mates can be supported.
We want you to know that we are working to improve the staffing numbers at Easton Park and do hope that we see improvements over the coming weeks. We want to thank you for your efforts and support. We are all in this together and as a team we can work towards overcoming the current challenges.
I want you to know that I am very grateful for all you do. In the New Year we will plan a special celebration to thank you for all your efforts.
Kind Regards
Sharon Fletcher
Operations Manager (Easton Park)
