Snow bound staff go extra mile for clients

The terrific trio spent the night of the 21st December bedded down at the home as the snow began to settle, as they were concerned they would not get home that night.

More of concern was that if they were going to have problems getting home they may not be able to make it in work early the following morning to care for the vulnerable clients. So they decided they would stay put.

Care staff Sandra Whyte, Francis Nwaoba and Esther Dominic slept in the lounge of the care home. Because of spending the night Sandra was able to start her shift at 6.00am the next day instead of 8.00 which was helpful.

Kay Gallagher, Manager of Coppice Wood Lodge said "All our staff here are very committed.

"When the snow began to fall and the buses stopped running past Sandra said it was best if they stayed here over night.  Sandra lives in Neasdon, Francis in Edmonton and Esther in Elephant and Castle, so they were worried they might not make it in on time the following day.

"Some of our clients have dementia, and they can become unsettled, so it was comforting to know that however bad the weather became in the night we would have our full quota of staff early the next day.

"The staff took blankets and pillows and slept in the lounge. We are still very busy even at night, so I am afraid I don't think they got a good night's sleep!"

On Christmas Day one member of staff, Tina Ryan dressed as Santa to the delight of residents and everyone had a good time as they all received a gift.

Kay added "We have a great team here at Coppice Wood Lodge, and I am not surprised they helped out."

Cllr Edward Smith, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services for Enfield Council said "Right across the Council I have heard stories of how our social services teams made sure that all our service users were safe, that some home meals were even delivered on foot and that everyone who was due to have a home care package during the snowy weather received it, not one missed call!

"It is during weather such as this that our older and vulnerable residents rely on us, and we delivered. This story of the dedicated care staff at Coppice Wood Lodge shows yet again the commitment of our staff.

"The Council is very grateful to all our staff who have gone the extra mile this winter."