Care workers are excellent

IN reply to the article in the Ely Standard on September 20 (plea to support hospital's future), whilst I agree that it is a great shame that the PCT has cut the number of beds for the elderly, I find it very offensive that Mr Mullenger states that professional care workers are not adequately trained other than for helping to wash, dress and feed people.

I am a professional care worker with the PCT and would like to point out to Mr Mullenger that I and my fellow workers have had extensive training in all forms of care: ie. dementia - continence care, the correct administration of medicines; personal care - moving and handling, to name but a few. The Cat Team based at the Princess of Wales Hospital works with the district nurses and also provides palliative care.

We, as professional carers, understand that it is often very hard for the families concerned, as they are not trained to always give the appropriate or adequate care and that is why most people consider us to be a lifeline. This support can be given in a client's home environment or sheltered or residential units. We not only work with the elderly but in all sectors of the community. We work closely with other professionals in regard to rehabilitation and many people in this area have had the choice to stay in their own homes, where before they would have spent their last days in hospital wards or residential units. Our training is constantly monitored and updated to very high standards (NVQ Levels).

I would therefore like to assure Mr Mullenger that the PCT has excellent professional care workers in this area.

D BARTLETT

Station Road

Haddenham