Coastguard assisting Orkney’s home carers reach the vulnerable

Local Coastguard teams have answered a plea for help from Orkney’s Homecare Service to ensure carers can reach some of the county’s most vulnerable folk with more snow and strong winds forecast into the weekend.

Despite the treacherous conditions due to the prolonged freeze, carers and communities have been working together to maintain a service to the 174 service users throughout Orkney.

Gail Harvey, registered manager Orkney Health and Care, Care at Home Responder Service, said the Coastguard were tasked to assist a home carer on a visit in the West Mainland this morning, Friday.

“One of our home carers called to say she was unable to get out of her road due to drifting snow, so we called on the Coastguard to help to ensure she was able to visit two vulnerable services users. We are hugely grateful.”

Gail praised the community spirit and partnership working during these extreme times.

She said: “Our home carers are doing a fantastic job in getting to our services users – some of the most vulnerable people in our communities – despite the incredibly challenging conditions. They have trudged through the snow on foot in some instances, their cars have become stuck on occasions and what has been so heartening is the public’s response. We have had people come to their aid in helping dig out vehicles and we have had farmers helping to clear some of the back roads.

“Families of some of our service users have also been incredibly understanding and where they have been able to help with visits, they have done so. We are very grateful to all and it shows Orkney’s community spirit is very much alive and well.”

With forecasts predicting more snow, ice and strong winds in the coming days, Gail said they wanted to ensure they had a contingency plan in place – which has already proven to be working.

“We became aware of the potential for conditions to worsen so we wanted to be prepared. We were unable to locate available 4x4 vehicles, so we made a plea via the Council’s Resilience and Safety Team for assistance.

“Almost immediately word came back that the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) were willing and able to help if we needed it with 4x4s and drivers which is just fantastic, and we are very thankful.”

Gail assured that all infection control measures are being adhered to.

“We are continuing to follow all our infection control procedures, including hand hygiene, PPE, social distancing as much as is possible but it is vital that visits are able to continue to some of our most vulnerable people.”

The MCA said they were delighted to be able to offer assistance.

Daniel O’Connor, Orkney and Shetland Senior Coastal Operations Officer, said: “It is absolutely crucial in our island communities that everyone comes together to support one another. Our Coastguard Rescue Officers, who are all volunteers, have other full-time jobs but are dedicated to helping the people of Orkney in any way they can.

“We have three teams on the Orkney Mainland (Kirkwall, Stromness and St Margaret’s Hope) and teams on the islands of Hoy, Westray and Sanday that will all be able to assist by using our fleet of 4x4 vehicles to transport carers to people’s homes in this adverse weather.”

He added: “Covid-19 is in everyone’s minds right now and rightly so. The Coastguard Rescue Officers and home carers will all be wearing full PPE and adhering to strict hygiene measures in the vehicles. This will ensure the carers are well protected and able to reach those vulnerable members in the community safely. It will also ensure the Coastguard teams are protected and can remain operational to keep people safe around our coast.”