Newsletters - April 2020

Community reporting lags some way behind the hospital data, but what is clear is that the death toll will keep on rising for some time.
Here in Devon, whilst we can be thankful that the infection curve has been lower and slower than in other places, it is likely that we have yet to see the peak in initial cases.

It’s tempting isn’t it to project forward, and speculate on easing the national lockdown to regain some level of normality. But right now, amidst talk of ‘peaks’, it’s vital that we keep on with the social distancing currently in place as we move into the weekend. It’s thanks to the way we’ve changed our behaviour and complied with these measures that the infection rate in Devon is slower and lower than in other parts of the country.

We’re aware that there’s a lot of anxiety around. It’s natural that people are feeling worried, but it’s important that we recognise it and that we share our concerns with others where we can and that we take steps to look after our own wellbeing as well as those around us. There’s a lot of advice out there to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing, so please look after yourself.

There are great many decisions being made at a national level, which change rapidly and have a profound effect on the delivery of local services and how we all keep safe and well in Devon. Alongside our local Members, and through engagement with Devon’s MPs and government, we are doing all we can to make sure the region’s voice is heard and that our concerns are discussed at the highest level.

We are really pleased that the vast majority of residents followed the government’s guidance and stayed at home this bank holiday weekend, thank you. There was a huge 85 per cent drop in traffic coming into Devon this Easter following our calls for holidaymakers and second home owners to stay away.

The Easter bank holiday weekend might be one of the most testing times for our resolve, with many of us having made prior arrangements to meet up with family and friends and to enjoy the great Devon countryside, or to travel to other parts of the country or abroad.

We welcome the first cohort of trainees for the new Healthcare Assistant roles. More than 600 people have registered so far. We’ve also taken a decision to increase the amounts we pay to care providers.

Our Proud to Care campaign to recruit Healthcare Assistants and other vital roles has taken off, with hundreds of people registering their interest. We’re working to ensure staff who need Personal Protective Equipment to do their jobs have access to it. As we move into warmer weather at the weekend, we’re appealing to everyone to please stick to the guidelines.

We are immensely proud of the dedication and calm, professional response from all our staff. Many are able to work from home supporting the delivery of services, while many others are working within our communities to provide care.