Our team there offers specialist clinical care alongside health and social care staff from Middlesbrough Council, the lead organisation delivering this much needed service to families across the Tees Valley.
Family representatives joined colleagues from our trust, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, and Middlesbrough Council for an official ribbon cutting and welcome.
Speakers included:
- Sam Allen, chief executive, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board
- Kimm Lawson, strategic head of commissioning, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board
- Louise Grabham, director of adult social care and health integration, Middlesbrough Council
- Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke
- Lisa Taylor, care group director, TEWV
They each shared their thanks to families and to everyone who has worked so hard to make sure respite care continues in our area.
We also heard from Judith Brown, a family member, who began by telling us, “I am a mam” and reminded us all why the respite service is such a vital support to families, “33 nights is the only time we get a rest out of 365 days a year…”
During a tour of the facilities Allison Peggs, our clinical team manager, told us the new service is already benefiting patients who are “mixing more and making friends.”
She continued: “A few families weren’t sure their loved ones would settle but it’s been really nice to say they’ve had an amazing time here.”
Levick Court features a games room, a sensory room, bright and comfortable communal meeting spaces and modern bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms with equipment that supports staff to deliver safe and kind care to patients.
The day ended with a celebration for families and staff.
