Dear Editor:
As we are actively entering Phase 3 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout on the North Shore, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the numerous staff caring for our frail and the elderly population living in long-term and assisted living care homes. Between the months of December and beginning of March, our team of public health staff visited several care homes, setting up mobile clinics, administering first and then the second COVID-19 vaccines.
Our team was faced with many challenges, one of which was that we did not know the residents, some of whom had dementia and needed extra support in being identified and immunized. The staff at the care homes were all welcoming, supportive and made sure the residents were well taken care of and treated with dignity and utmost respect and that they received their immunization safely. I felt the staff and residents were like one family.
At Lynn Valley Care Centre, Berkley Care Centre, Capilano Care Centre, Inglewood Care Centre, Cedarview Lodge, Amica and Parc Retirement, just to name a few, our team of public health nurses and admin staff were welcomed with open arms and "rolled-up sleeves."
As one of my colleagues said: Our hard work in public health will be all worthwhile when we see smiling faces without masks!
Maria Gul, public health nurse
Lynn Valley
