"It is a tremendous relief" - North Yorkshire care home head opens up about 'finally' receiving Covid vaccine

The chairman of an Independent Care group in Yorkshire has spoken of his relief after two of his care homes received their first Covid-19 vaccinations.
Pictured, Karen Howden, Housekeeper at Saint Cecilia’s Care Home, receiving her Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination. Photo credit: submitted picture.Pictured, Karen Howden, Housekeeper at Saint Cecilia’s Care Home, receiving her Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination. Photo credit: submitted picture.
Pictured, Karen Howden, Housekeeper at Saint Cecilia’s Care Home, receiving her Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination. Photo credit: submitted picture.

Mike Padgham, the managing director of the Scarborough-based care provider St Cecilia's, which operates four care homes across North Yorkshire, said it was a "tremendous relief" after residents and staff at two of his care homes in Scarborough received the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.

More than 15 residents at Saint Cecilia’s Care Home and 29 residents at Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home, were vaccinated over the weekend alongside 86 care home staff.

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Mike Padgham, the managing director of the Scarborough-based care provider St Cecilia's.Mike Padgham, the managing director of the Scarborough-based care provider St Cecilia's.
Mike Padgham, the managing director of the Scarborough-based care provider St Cecilia's.
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Reflecting on the vaccinations carried out in the homes by staff from Scarborough Medical Group, Mr Pagham, said: "It is a tremendous relief to finally get some of our residents and staff long-awaited and vital protection against Covid-19.

"The last 10 months have been a living nightmare for those of us caring for older and vulnerable people and today marks a huge stride towards a return to normality for us."

He added while "delighted," for his own residents and staff it was vital for all care and nursing home residents and all vulnerable people in the community to receive vaccines shortly.

Earlier this month Mr Pagham, who is also the chairman for the Independent Care group for York and North Yorkshire, voiced concerns to The Yorkshire Post, that a "number of care homes in North Yorkshire had voiced concerns about being "in the dark," as to when staff and residents would receive the first dose of the vaccine.

Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home resident David Wheldon, receives his vaccination on the weekend. Photo credit: Submitted pictureSaint Cecilia’s Nursing Home resident David Wheldon, receives his vaccination on the weekend. Photo credit: Submitted picture
Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home resident David Wheldon, receives his vaccination on the weekend. Photo credit: Submitted picture
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He said he was concerned there was the risk that smaller care (those with less than 55 residents) may be "forgotten".

"I am delighted for our residents and the staff and for their families too. And I hope all care and nursing home residents and all vulnerable people in the community and those who care for them will be getting theirs as well," Mr Padgham said.

He praised the team from Scarborough Medical Group for their care and consideration and NHS North Yorkshire CCG for administering the vaccine.

"Surgery staff were absolutely fabulous in the way they came in to both homes and took care of the residents and staff. We cannot thank them enough," Mr Padgham said. "We also appreciate the work of the CCG, which has the unenviable task of getting this vital vaccine to as many vulnerable people as quickly as possible and the Government which seems to be living up to its promise of rolling out the vaccine to care and nursing homes quickly."

Saint Cecilia’s has now had vaccinations for Saint Cecilia’s Care Home and Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home in Scarborough and Alba Rose care home in Pickering. Photo credit: Picture submittedSaint Cecilia’s has now had vaccinations for Saint Cecilia’s Care Home and Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home in Scarborough and Alba Rose care home in Pickering. Photo credit: Picture submitted
Saint Cecilia’s has now had vaccinations for Saint Cecilia’s Care Home and Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home in Scarborough and Alba Rose care home in Pickering. Photo credit: Picture submitted
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Saint Cecilia’s has now had vaccinations for Saint Cecilia’s Care Home and Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home in Scarborough and Alba Rose care home in Pickering.

It hopes to this week have vaccinations for its other care home, Normanby House, in Scarborough.

Mr Padgham said the vaccinations were important but not the end of the challenges ahead.

"Vaccination is a huge step forward, but we will not rest on our laurels. The latest strain of Covid-19 is extremely aggressive, and we must all be on our mettle to protect ourselves going forward. We haven’t got this beat yet, but we are on the way!"

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NHS England previously said the NHS is to provide GPs with an extra £10 for every care home resident they are able to vaccinate against Covid by the end of January in an accelerated drive to protect the most vulnerable.

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