Christmas is a time of year for remembrance, this year more so than any other.
A time to take stock of where we have come from and have a moment to think about where we are going as we pursue the future with hope. I sincerely wish that the magic of this Christmas season will fill your home with peace and joy.
| There has been a lot of change at The Somme this year, apart from Covid19, especially within the management team, but I am delighted to say that everyone has now comfortably settled in. When I was appointed to this position in September, I sent a message to families and staff saying how delighted I was to get the placement. As we approach the end of the year, I still feel that privilege. Upon my appointment, I made a commitment to get out and about to meet as many families, residents, and staff as soon as I could. Ongoing restrictions have made this a bit more challenging but the feedback I have received from residents and families has been so positive, and I have continually been impressed by the commitment and dedication of all staff to provide the best possible care for our residents. There is no such thing as a quiet year at the Somme; 2020 has been no exception. A repeated thank you to families and residents, and indeed staff for your continued understanding and patience in dealing with our numerous constraints. Together we have risen to all challenges and even marked some considerable successes: After the most difficult of Summers, we still managed to achieve an outstanding report from an unannounced RQIA inspection. |
There has been a lot of change at The Somme this year, apart from Covid19, especially within the management team, but I am delighted to say that everyone has now comfortably settled in. When I was appointed to this position in September, I sent a message to families and staff saying how delighted I was to get the placement. As we approach the end of the year, I still feel that privilege. Upon my appointment, I made a commitment to get out and about to meet as many families, residents, and staff as soon as I could. Ongoing restrictions have made this a bit more challenging but the feedback I have received from residents and families has been so positive, and I have continually been impressed by the commitment and dedication of all staff to provide the best possible care for our residents. There is no such thing as a quiet year at the Somme; 2020 has been no exception. A repeated thank you to families and residents, and indeed staff for your continued understanding and patience in dealing with our numerous constraints. Together we have risen to all challenges and even marked some considerable successes: After the most difficult of Summers, we still managed to achieve an outstanding report from an unannounced RQIA inspection.
As we move towards the end of 2020, I would like to send a personal thank you to each member of staff at the Somme for your hard work, professionalism and resolve during what has been one of our most challenging and busiest years, for too many reasons to mention. I never cease to be amazed by what you deliver. I am truly proud of each and every one of you, and even prouder to tell everyone that I have the privilege to be a part of what you do.
As we go into the Christmas period, I would also like to thank the many of you who will be working over the next few weeks. I know there are so many who are incredibly grateful for you giving up this precious time with your families, and I also know how much you will be doing to cheer up those in your care who would rather be home with their families even if they cannot this year.
I would also like to add a very sincere note of gratitude to all of our most generous donors and sponsors whose very kind donations are invaluable to us and have contributed, both to improving conditions for staff but more importantly to a number of projects that directly improve the standard of life and quality of care we are able to provide to residents. Your support is precious to us, you truly make a difference, and we are extremely grateful.
A final note of thanks must go to all our suppliers who have consistently been there for us, especially in times of crisis.
This holiday season will be unlike any other, to cap off a year unlike any other. Throughout this season, and as we move into a new (and hopefully better) year, we wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends even if they cannot be in person, the warmth of memories from holidays past, and glimpses of the joy that still lives under the surface.
Here’s to a great 2021!
Gary Cassells
Executive Director
The Somme Nursing Home
Registered with The Charity Commission Northern Ireland NIC101793