Health and Social Care Moray's staff praised for hard work during coronavirus pandemic
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A GLENLIVET man has called for Health and Social Care Moray's hard-working staff to receive some well-earned praise.
Cliff Wright (81) said that, while NHS staff and care home workers receive a lot of deserved praise, politicians and the media fail to mention the work done by care at home workers.
Health and Social Care Moray workers can visit up to 20 homes a day to help those who struggle to help themselves.
Their work has been cut out for them since the coronavirus pandemic began, with extra precautions taken on every home visit due to the virus.
Workers are dealing with some of society's most vulnerable, including Mr Wright's wife of 61 years, Margaret (79), who is suffering from severe Alzheimers.
Cliff explained some of the help the carers have given him and Margaret.
"My wife is mainly bed-ridden and she doesn't talk or walk," he said. "But the ladies come in and do fantastic things for her, and support me as well.
"They have supported me for more than a year, otherwise I'd have cracked up. It's tough for me seeing my wife like this and I don't know where I'd be without these women and men.
"They really cheer me up with their banter, they are such happy and excellent people.
"If I need shopping they get me it, at Christmas they brought me a box of mince pies and they travel on winter nights when there is deep snow. They just laugh and battle on.
"It's just these little things that they do for everyone they care for. There are lots of people like us receiving help that is much-appreciated and needed."
Now, Mr Wright, who has three children with wife Margaret, wants to see the carers receive the praise they have earned.
He added: "I very much appreciate the work they do, it brings a tear to my eye. I think they're sadly neglected.
"There is no recognition from politicians, or anyone really. There is lots of praise for nurses and care home workers, which is deserved, but we are leaving out home care workers.
"They are hardly ever given a pat on the back. If I was a millionaire I'd give my money to these people to split between them, because they deserve it."
Interim chief officer for Health and Social Care Moray, Simon Bokor-Ingram, said this year has been a huge challenge for staff and the residents, but that the staff had been excellent.
“What has shone through is the care and compassion shown by our staff, their professionalism and dedication to offer the best service possible for thousands of residents across Moray," he said.
“I want to personally thank every member of staff who worked so hard in 2020, across the festive break, and will continue to do so this year."
