A NEW six-bed facility has been set up in Minehead as part of the county’s plan to care for people recovering from coronavirus.

And an urgent appeal is being made for former care workers to step forward and help relieve some of the pressures caused by the virus spread.

In a joint initiative, hospitals, councils and care providers will be working together to increase the number of medically-well people who can be discharged home or to a residential care home. 

More than 60 rooms have been bought in care homes across Somerset, along with all the spaces in Minehead.

At least one redundant care home will be brought back into use, providing another 40 rooms, and there’s potential to stand-up a further 40-70 rooms elsewhere in the county if needed.

Many of those leaving hospital will need support, either at home or in a care home – and this could be within days.

Local authority staff are being retrained to work in care, but more are needed across the care sector.

Somerset’s local authorities are therefore appealing for former care workers to come forward and help further strengthen the system.

They are looking for people who have worked in care settings before and have retired or moved into different fields.

They will be paid positions working for care providers, initially Somerset Care. Refresher training and support will be provided.

Roles needed are:

* Care home workers who can assist with personal care.

* Nurses who can oversee care plans.

* Domestic support – cleaning and preparing meals.

n Gardeners and property maintenance.

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help should call 0300 123 2224.

It is a joint project between Somerset’s councils, Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the county’s two acute hospitals – Musgrove Park in Taunton and Yeovil District Hospital – Somerset CCG and Somerset Care.