Northern Care Alliance CEO leads organisation in thanking the public for doing their bit to control virus

Raj Jain, Chief Executive of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group

The general public are making a huge difference in their efforts to control the spread of the virus in Greater Manchester, according to the Chief Executive of one of the biggest NHS organisations in the region.

In a thank you message to the 2.8 million people that make up the Greater Manchester Metropolitan County, Raj Jain says their efforts have been ‘tireless’.

So far, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, which brings together four local hospitals and community healthcare services across Salford Royal and Pennine Acute trusts, has cared for and safely discharged over 3,000 coronavirus patients, and he says that number would ‘be much higher’ if it were not for the monumental efforts of the people of Greater Manchester.

The Chief Executive’s thanks are echoed by front line staff at each of the NCA’s four Care Organisations in Salford, Oldham, Bury and Rochdale, including from a critical care doctor, a domestic, a porter, a chaplain, and a community nurse.

Raj Jain, Chief Executive at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, said: “I think there is something innate within the people of Greater Manchester when faced with a challenge, no matter how big, to really try hard and do their best. It is part of being a good citizen, and I know that every one of us is digging deep to ensure that we do social distance, we do get vaccinated, we do wear a mask, and most importantly, we will beat this virus together.”

He is also quick to praise his staff for everything they have done to keep the virus under control.

“The frontline staff at our hospitals in Salford, Oldham, Bury, Rochdale and in the community have been amazing, as have the back office staff. The virus really has turned the way we work on its head, and through it all the staff have dug deep and worked tirelessly to protect each other, our patients, and visitors, be that wearing a ventilator and PPE for 12 hours, or our back office staff uprooting and working from home to limit the spread of infection. I am proud of each and every one of them.”

On the front line and in the community in Rochdale, Tudor Court supports individuals who require a period of rehabilitation to enable independence and a safe return home.

Heidi Tombling, Unit Manager at Tudor Court, said: “We are a close-knit team including a doctor, a team of therapy staff, health care assistants and support staff all working in a small community intermediate care centre in Heywood, caring for elderly residents not long out of hospital and working our hardest to get them back on their feet and back home to the places they love.

“I can honestly say that the lengths people have gone to in the surrounding community to help limit the spread of the virus has been monumental, it has made such a difference and I would encourage everyone to keep at it, keep trying their best, we all really appreciate it.”