Care home firm thanks Sheffield Council for its support during coronavirus pandemic

Icon Care Ltd, which runs Chamwood Court Care Home in Grimesthorpe, said it would not have survived the current crisis without the help and support from Sheffield Council.

It comes after other care providers criticised the authority for not passing on an emergency 15 per cent increase in government funding to help care homes.

Based in West Yorkshire, Icon Care has now shared details of its own experience with Sheffield Council in the hopes of showing a differing view.

Company secretary Nesar Rafiq said: “We believe it is important to say when someone has done a good job. Since the start of Covid-19 situation, we have found Sheffield Council to be very supportive in many ways.

“These include, but are not just limited, to the following; PPE, details of agency staff who can help, guidance on best practice, offer to provide food items, setting up WhatsApp support groups, and offering dedicated support helplines social workers and financial support.”

Mr Rafiq said the council have been on hand throughout the pandemic, directly responding to any concerns or issues that were raised.

“We must all remember that the Sheffield staff and councillors are all human beings like us and not robots,” Mr Rafiq added. “Staff and Councillors will have also been affected by Covid-19. “Despite Covid-19, these councillors and staff are trying their best to work with others to allow the great city of Sheffield to do what it does best – that is to look after the most vulnerable.

“We don’t always agree with the decisions taken by the council and we will debate and argue on these and, if needed, take legal action. But, on this occasion, we salute everyone working for Sheffield Council. These people are all our heroes.

“By working with us and supporting us we have been able to look after our care home residents.

“We have received funding from Sheffield Council to help us deal with Covid-19 costs. Without this support we would have struggled.”

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