We had 28 members today joining the carers session. Everyone was looking forward to meeting Dame Esther Rantzen. The meeting started promptly. Lisa welcomed everyone including the Trustees Dr Angela and Valerie. Lisa also welcomed a visitor Councillor Saira Don who is also a colleague of Lisa. Saira is a care home manager of 2 homes which specialise in looking after people with autism and other special needs and dementia. Lisa then introduced and welcomed Dame Esther giving an overview of her life achievements and then asked Esther to say a few words. Esther who was not sure what she wanted to talk about decided to take a vote and gave members a choice. It was then decided for Esther to talk about her charity - The Silver Line.

Members thought she came over very natural and good fun. When Esther left the meeting at about 7.30pm, Lisa then started the usual meeting asking each of the members in turn if they had anything they wanted to discuss.

The discussions were about visiting care homes and some members felt that care homes are probably worried about taking any decisions because of their Insurance. Cllr Saira mentioned that as a care home manager she was able to make decisions that were in the best interests of her residents and also meant that family members were still able to visit. Saira continued to explain that she did put in place Covid measures to make sure that families were still able to visit their loved ones and this meant for example a dedicated room when family members entered the building to change their clothes. Members were very impressed to hear about this and thought that other care homes could also use their discretion. Members felt however that care home providers were misinterpreting the Government guidelines and making their own additional rules.

Other members also thought that if there were quicker tests then this would solve the problem if care homes were given the means to provide quick tests.

Other discussions were about wheelchairs. One of the carers wanted to know how she could adapt her wheelchair to make it easier to push like an electric wheelchair. Lots of suggestions were discussed and Lisa said that she would also investigate and provide further help.

Another discussion was about one of the members experience with their loved one at the A&E. The hospital would not allow the family members to stay with their loved one and was sent home. However the hospital then realised they were having difficulties in communicating and had to call back the family member. Members felt that this was totally unacceptable and hospitals should allow a family member who is a carer to stay with their loved one. If a mother is allowed to stay with her child then there should be no difference. Lisa said that she would raise this matter when there was an opportunity at her next council Health committee meetings.

Lisa thanked everyone and especially Saira for attending.