Care home workers in Highlands given praise for their dedication

Care homes have been high on the news agenda during the coronavirus pandemic, and one reader wanted to highlight the hard work of staff in this setting.

Jackie Macrae at Innis Mhor care home in Tain was singled out “for all she does to keep my mum and all the other residents safe and well at this difficult time”.

The nomination said: “Jackie really is one in a million and so are all her staff.”

Jackie responded to the news by saying: “That’s very nice, it’s lovely for the staff as well because they’re all working so hard to protect the residents, so I think that’s lovely.”

She explained that it had been a worrying time but their focus was solely on protecting everyone and making sure they are safe.

She added: “The staff are practically fully screened before they come into work in the morning; they get their temperature taken, they get questioned about where they’ve been, what they’ve done, that sort of thing. We just can’t take any chances.”

In Ullapool, David and Mairi Mackenzie, along with their son Cameron, have been nominated as Community Champions. The family have kept their fish and chip shop operating on reduced hours through door-to-door deliveries, and have provided deliveries of fresh fish and vegetables to people in the community.

Their nomination said: “This helps both the community but also the local fishermen continue to earn a wage.

“Their fish delivery van supplies all throughout the area to vulnerable people who cannot travel to the local shops. They offer fresh fish and vegetables to all.

“Inside the fish shop, they are also selling products for our local ‘no plastic’ shop who were unable to keep their shop running due to the coronavirus.

“They are helping so many customers and also helping other businesses earn a wage during these hard times.”

A number of people have been helping out by organising volunteers, often through online groups, and ensuring vulnerable people are being looked after in their communities.

The Strath Hub Facebook page has been seen as a useful source of information and help in Strathpeffer while in Inverness, Highland councillor Ron MacWilliam and Cath MacInnes were mentioned as Community Champions for their work in setting up local support groups.

June Ross from Dingwall was also nominated for her tireless work through her role as team manager in Morrisons in Alness.

Her nomination said: “She goes over and above every time and never complains, no matter how many times she is asked to help out, donate, fundraise etc. She has provided (along with her colleagues) several cages of food to help feed people in need at this time, and she has always been the first to stand up and provide help where needed.”

Councillor Pauline Munro and her husband Brian have also been nominated for their efforts in helping the vulnerable in Alness, where they have been organising hot meals seven days a week for people in need.

“Pauline is unassuming and does not want or expect thanks or recognition despite her work being at great personal expense,” her nomination said.

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