In response, the NHS has partnered with Encore Care Homes, which has four purpose-built care homes based across Dorset and Hampshire. The homes will temporarily welcome in extra non-Covid residents at short notice hospital patient numbers rise and pressure increases on hospital staff.
To support the increase in people admitted to the care homes, more than 500 candidates with experience in adult social care are needed to join the newly-formed, not-for-profit care agency, Care Club. A range of roles are available including Registered Nurses, Care Practitioners, Senior Healthcare Assistants (Senior HCAs), and Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), based in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch. Those new to care roles are also welcome to apply. They will be provided with an induction and full training, a ‘Buddy’ to work alongside as they get to know the role, and on going training support.

Recruits can choose the care home they wish to work at, with sites in Christchurch, Poole, Bournemouth and Southampton, and will be involved in the rollout of vaccines across the homes.

Chief operating officer of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Mark Mould, said: “We have seen a sharp rise in the number of patients with Covid since Christmas. This means we need to free up capacity across our hospitals in order to accommodate these patients. As with all hospitals across the country, we have patients in our care who are medically ready to leave, but can’t, as the community is working close to the maximum of established capacity so there is nowhere for these patients to go to. Working closely with Encore Care Homes has been fantastic as they have been able to increase the external capacity we can access and take some of these patients offering specialist care.”

All incoming residents are tested for Covid-19 before they arrive at the care home and undertake a period of self-isolation, with the team’s support. All care home residents are tested for Covid-19 on a weekly basis, with staff accessing twice-weekly lateral flow rapid testing, which provides results in 30 minutes.

Applications are now open for all roles across Dorset at Encore Care Homes. For more information and to sign up to Care Club, go to Careclub.encorecarehomes.co.uk