The team and the people living at Westport Care Home were delighted to welcome Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Health Secretary Sajid Javid, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to their home this morning ahead of the PM’s planned social care reformation announcement in the house of parliament this afternoon.
Everyone at Westport was absolutely delighted when they heard that they were the chosen home for Boris Johnson’s visit! They were chosen after being highlighted as a London home of excellence by the PM’s office for managing the risk of Covid-19 exceptionally well, in addition to the whole team being 100% vaccinated prior to the requirement made in law.
Upon arrival at the home, the Prime Minster, Health Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer met with Osman Ertosun, Owner of Excelcare and his right-arm woman Sam Manning, COO (Chief Operating Officer) to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the care home operations, the importance of an ongoing recognition needed for the dedicated and caring frontline team members as well as the need to support care homes with the cost of delivering care.
The Prime Minister and his team then spent time with the people living at Westport, enjoying arts & crafts, connect four and general chats about life. One resident was particularly delighted to be able to tell the PM that he is engaged and soon to be wed, of which the PM replied ‘I’ve not long done that too’. This created laughter amongst all and led to further engaging chats and selfies with the special guests, before everyone enjoyed a good sing-song out in the sunshine in the garden.
Kathleen, one of the residents at the home, said she felt very privileged as the PM visited her room by special invitation so that Kathleen could show how homely her bedroom was. While visiting, Kathleen had a chance to chat about how much she enjoys living at Westport, while Boris Johnson listened carefully.
Elbow farewells and waves were given to all by Boris, Sajid and Rishi – leaving everyone at the home feeling very honoured and delighted to have been the chosen care home for this very special visit.