Praise for Covid response workers

Health, social care and council staff and community volunteers across North Lanarkshire were praised for their efforts in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillors unanimously agreed two motions honouring the selfless work, dedication and commitment of all those who have helped meet the array of needs arising during the past five months of Covid-19 response.

Among the many tasks were helping vulnerable and shielding residents, delivering supplies and running 10 hubs for keyworker childcare.

The first, from council leader Jim Logue and SNP secretary Greg Lennon, recognised“the outstanding effort made by staff of North Lanarkshire Council and North Lanarkshire health and social care partnership”.

It praised“their dedication and commitment in providing critical support and assistance to our most vulnerable residents despite significant challenges faced”and recorded“sincere thanks to each and every member of staff who has gone above and beyond during this difficult and worrying time”.

They added:“This council recognises that its staff are its greatest asset.”

Another unanimously-supported motion, this time from Labour’s Bob Burrows and Jordan Linden of the SNP, praised“the outstanding contribution and valiant efforts made by the charitable, community and voluntary sector”.

It acknowledged“the people-led approach that enabled our communities to respond rapidly to an ever-changing environment [and] the tireless efforts of volunteers involved in offering support to the most vulnerable during this time”.

Councillor Linden, who is his group’s depute leader and a member of the health and social care integration joint board, said:“I was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to pay thanks to our amazing health and social care staff for their work during this pandemic, caring for those in our community against the most difficult of backdrops.

“It was also significant to record thanks to the thousands of volunteers, the many amazing new and existing organisations and Voluntary Action North – all of whom worked to ensure vital supplies and services got to the most vulnerable.

“Each and every one of them made such a difference to the lives of local people.”