Update on Cheshire West and Chester care providers

The coronavirus pandemic has posed significant challenges across the social care sector, particularly for the 130 care providers operating across the borough, their staff and the 4,800 vulnerable residents they support.

Across Cheshire West and Chester, 258 residents supported by care providers have now recovered from the virus but sadly 164 residents and one member of care staff have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19.

To minimise the impact of coronavirus across the care sector testing is crucial. To date, 851 tests have been completed for residents and a further 896 tests completed for staff. The Council is also working daily with care providers to ensure that operational requirements are being met. This includes reviewing the status of PPE, testing requirements, staffing and financial stability.

The Council is also actively promoting mental and emotional health and wellbeing among carers and a financial support package, including emergency PPE supplies, has been offered to all providers to ensure further resilience during these extremely challenging times.  

Councillor Val Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “My thoughts and deepest sympathies are very much with the families of all the residents we have sadly lost.

“Our care providers are on the frontline in our response to coronavirus and are doing everything they can to reduce the spread of infection where this arises.

“We’re also hugely grateful to all the staff who are continuing to care for residents with kindness and professionalism.

“When problems getting the right support for our residents do arise, we are continuing to work with central government and raising these issues at the highest level.”