Care home vaccinations: Staff forced to quit jobs

Mike Richardson, who manages the Springfields Residential and Nursing Homes, in Copford Green, said it is “the most critical time” he has seen in his 25 years in the care industry.

From midnight yesterday, care home staff must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. If they aren’t, they must leave their role immediately.

It meant yesterday eight per cent of staff lost their jobs, figures revealed.

Mike Richardson

The rule change has been devastating for Mr Richardson, who saw long-serving carers walk away from their roles.

“One lady had been with us for years,” he said. “She was an excellent carer, we never had any complaints about her and she would often get thank you cards from residents’ relatives.

“She had her reasons for not wanting the vaccine and, as a result, we lost a very good carer yesterday morning.

“I do believe care home staff should be vaccinated and I did try to persuade them to help themselves, but this lady in particular raised some points I could not disagree with.

Springfields Residential Care Home

“Anyone can walk-in to the home from the street, all they have to do is take a lateral-flow test, there is no need to be vaccinated at all. This lady said she felt victimised by this.

“Residents can also choose their own care-giver. This person can be from outside the home and not vaccinated, however a qualified care-giver who hasn’t been vaccinated has to leave their job.

“These are double-standards which make things incredibly tough. I couldn’t answer the lady’s questions, I’ve had my hands completely tied here.”

Mr Richardson, who manages care homes across the county, said the desperate situation has left him feeling “sad” and “disillusioned” after the toughest of times.

Springfields Nursing Home

“We have had not a single Covid death in our homes throughout the pandemic, not even an outbreak,” he added.

“That’s an amazing achievement which my staff have made possible. They love this trade but have now been told: ‘Sorry, you’re not good enough’.

“Compassionate people with empathy, with love have walked away because of enforced, flawed vaccination legislation which has left them unemployed.

“I think this is the most critical time I’ve seen in the care industry in the 25 years I’ve been involved. We are one step away from disaster.

“I protect my team and residents to the utmost of my abilities and feel I’ve had my hands tied behind my back and leg shoved up me.

“I feel disillusioned and just sad, to be honest, but I also have to respect people’s choices.”