Sutton Scene, Leader of the Council column - 28/03/2020

Thank you to everyone who is taking the NHS Coronavirus advice seriously and is self distancing or self isolating. It's vital we continue to do so to ensure the spread of the virus is not so rapid and doesn't overwhelm our hospitals. Please stay home as much as you can.

I've seen extraordinary examples of selfless sacrifice from our NHS staff, doctors, nurses, technicians, porters, admin staff, cleaners and everyone who is working so hard to ensure that we get the help we need. Ambulance staff, pharmacists, police and firefighters are all working tirelessly and we are grateful to them all. Social workers, care workers, volunteers delivering Meals on Wheels and other essential services and all Council staff are working round the clock to ensure that we look after the elderly, the young, the vulnerable and the needy throughout this terrible crisis. A huge thank you from all of us to all of you.

The Council is working closely with hospitals and GPs to try and keep hospital admissions to a manageable level and to provide as much care in the community as we can, where it is safe to do so. And we are humbled by the army of unpaid carers in our borough - family members, friends and neighbours are all pulling together to provide help and support. I've seen so many acts of kindness over the last few days - it is heartwarming to see how people are looking after each other.

If you are able to volunteer to help - or if you know of someone who needs help - please use this link for contact information. The Citizens Advice Bureau has asked me to remind you that they are running their normal telephone and online service - you can contact them on 020 8405 3552 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or online www.suttonalps.org.uk.

This is a health crisis unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. We don't know how long it will last or how much worse it will get. But the acts of human kindness, the love and community spirit we are displaying every day in our borough, will last with us forever.

Stay safe - and stay home

Ruth

Councillor Ruth Dombey 

Leader of Sutton Council