Staff have been redeployed to support Lincolnshire’s hospital wards in response to increasing COVID-19 hospitalisations, as more than 4,000 cases were confirmed across the region last week.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust non-clinical staff are being relocated on an “entirely voluntary basis” as part of the national response to coronavirus and would “ensure we can look after our patients in periods of high demand,” a spokesperson said.
“Staff do not work clinically; they help support with tasks such as meal provision, which allows our clinical staff more time to focus on patient treatment,” they said.
“All of our staff follow strict infection prevention control measures and health and safety guidelines; this includes the proper and correct use of PPE and other key measures such as hand-washing and testing.
“Staff that are redeployed are trained and supported in their roles and we have had lots of positive feedback from our non-clinical staff who have appreciated the opportunity to support clinical colleagues.”
There were 4,092 cases of coronavirus confirmed last week in Greater Lincolnshire, 14% higher than last week’s 3,587.
Government figures over the weekend showed 571 new cases in Lincolnshire, 142 in North East Lincolnshire and 238 in North Lincolnshire.
Two further deaths of Greater Lincolnshire residents were confirmed in the government figures, putting the weekly total at 21 – six more than last week’s 15.
NHS data, meanwhile, is not updated over the weekend, leaving the weekly deaths total at 12.
The vaccine is being rolled out to teenagers aged 12-15 from today, while the government also looks to launch its booster jab programme.
Children will be vaccinated mainly within schools, although the jabs will also be available at drop-in centres.
The booster jab meanwhile will be offered to all adults over 50 across the UK with eligibility including younger adults with health conditions and front-line health and social care workers.
Coronavirus data for Greater Lincolnshire on Sunday, September 19
107,819 cases (up 951)
70,765 in Lincolnshire (up 571)
16,943 in North Lincolnshire (up 238)
20,111 in North East Lincolnshire (up 142)
2,316 deaths (up two)
1,695 from Lincolnshire (up two)
316 from North Lincolnshire (no change)
305 from North East Lincolnshire (no change)
of which 1,390 hospital deaths (no change)
851 at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (no change)
44 at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals (no change)
1 at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (no change)
494 in Northern Lincolnshire (NLAG) (no change)
DATA SOURCE — FIGURES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF THE LATEST UPDATE. POSTCODE DATA INCLUDES DEATHS NOT IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES OR IN HOSPITALS OUTSIDE AUTHORITY BOUNDARIES.
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Fire crews remain at the scene of a severe building fire which began in Louth overnight.
The blaze was called in at around 1.30am on Wednesday, May 18, concerning a building on Gresley Road.
Crews from Louth, Binbrook, Mablethorpe, Grantham and Alford were called to battle the fire, and nearby residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed.
Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue said the incident was still ongoing at around 6am and that crews from Caistor and Horncastle were assisting with damping down efforts.
People living in the area reported that flames had engulfed at least three homes. The extent of the damage has not yet been officially confirmed.
It is not yet clear if anyone has been injured.
This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.
The ‘It’s Not a Job’ campaign, launched in March 2022, continues to build momentum in Lincolnshire as it shines a light on the fantastic care professionals already working in the adult social care sector.
To attract more people to the profession, Lincolnshire County Council celebrates carers with short film depicting a day in the life of two carers, Kai Wade (21) from Lincoln and Gina Bennett (45) from Boston.
The film shows a typical working day; the carers enjoy the company of their service users, and the sense of purpose gained by supporting someone to continue living independently is a clear message throughout.
The film goes beyond showing how rewarding and valuable the home care profession can be, it also highlights the benefits to the carer for their work-life balance. Gina finishes her shift in time for an afternoon dog walk, and Kai spends quality time at the dinner table with his siblings.
Gina Bennett
Gina has worked her way up from carer, through to senior carer and now works as a CQL for Cera Care in Boston. She said, “It is where my heart lies, I really enjoy this line of work; it’s rewarding and enjoyable. I’d say, do this job if you genuinely care – happy people make a happy workplace.”
Kai works for Fosse Healthcare in Lincoln as a management support officer; his role involves both administrative duties and providing care in the home.
He said, “I took an interest in home care because I have family working in the sector. Since I started, I’ve found I’m more in touch with my compassionate side and I’ve developed my people skills through getting to know the people I care for and colleagues in the office.”
Kai Wade
A career in adult social care allows people to make a difference to the lives of others whilst still having time for other commitments. Prior experience and qualifications are not essential. What is most important is kindness, patience, and compassion. Care providers are looking for people with transferrable skills and a good work ethic.
A network of nine home care providers work with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver the home care service across the county. Lincolnshire County Council has created a handy, short online form to help people in Lincolnshire connect with their local care providers to find flexible home care roles.
A single enquiry form on the webpage streamlines the process by connecting jobseekers with the care providers most suited to their location and preferences. Upon completing the short form, one of the county’s homecare providers will be in touch to answer questions and help to find a suitable role.