Dudley Pays Tribute to Pandemic Health Care Response

As a mark of thanks for their work and sacrifice during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dudley borough workers who risked their lives on the frontline have been granted the Freedom of the Borough for their dedication during the crisis. 

In a ceremony presided over by Councillor Anne Millward, the Mayor of Dudley, the honour was awarded to staff who tirelessly served people in the region. The accolade is the highest award the council can bestow and goes to staff working in the NHS, public health, adult social care, children's services, bereavement services and voluntary sector workers in the Dudley borough. The team that operated from the ‘Red Centre’, based at a GP premesis in Pensnett, accepted the award on behalf of themselves and DIHC.

On 6th April 2020 Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust commissioned a facility to assess, review, and treat patients who tested positive for Covid-19 within a primary care setting. 

Under the clinical leadership of Dr Richard Bramble, the Trusts Joint Medical Director, and a GP in Netherton, as well as staff from Future Proof Health, the team successfully opened a fully operational facility in under five days.

The service, which continued until 30 June 2021, sought to ensure the people of Dudley were treated in the right place and at the right time within primary care, with other patients going on to be treated by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust in hospital.

Furthermore, the service was also positively evaluated by the Academic Health Sciences Centre, for helping residents with the provision of an at home Oximetry service. This allowed at risk patients who did not require hospital care to be closely monitored in the community. This scheme was additionally recognised with an award for Driving Digital Transformation Innovation, at the Medtech and Merdian Innovation awards.

Penny Harris, Chief Executive Officer at Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust said:  

“Whilst the fight against Covid-19 is not yet over, it’s fantastic that our staff and the Trust have been recognised for this initiative and I would like to thank them for their continuing efforts.

“Determined and diligent staff worked so hard to get the Red Centre up and running, and it really helped a lot of people in the Borough, everyone involved should be very proud of their achievements.”