I had a day away from the office to meet colleagues in Dunoon to find out more about some of the vital services we deliver to customers.
I was fortunate enough to spend time at Cowal Community Hospital and Struan Lodge Care Home. Despite ongoing challenges of responding to the pandemic, colleagues working in health have adapted to new ways of working with infection control protocols becoming business as usual. Throughout this time, I know many of you have made sacrifices and it’s not been easy. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication in looking after Argyll and Bute residents.
As part of our Caring for People response, we work with a number of local partner groups. It was great to meet Cowal Befrienders who have been instrumental in making sure people receive food, prescriptions and essential services during lockdown. The group have supported elderly people for over 25 years and help reduce loneliness and isolation many residents can feel. It was truly inspiring to hear the difference they are making to so many people.
I couldn’t leave without popping into the Dunoon Depot to thank our own frontline heroes. The team have worked so hard during the pandemic making sure our public spaces remain open, emptying bins, looking after burial services and keeping our roads open and safe. It was great to thank you in person and I’ll take you up on the offer of joining you next year to muck in!
Right across the council, I know that you all continue to play a huge role responding to the pandemic. Thank you for all your hard work.
Podcast – Oban City status bid
As you may know, we are bidding for city status for Oban. As part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022, the UK Government launched a civic competition earlier this year which includes granting city status.
There are a range of benefits that come with city status including attracting more investment and jobs to the area. We’re encouraging as many people as possible to support our bid. You can hear more about the bid in my podcast this week as I chat with Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth, who has been instrumental in preparing the bid. You can listen to the podcast via the council website.
Covid testing
Reports of a new strain is another reminder to stay vigilant and do everything we can to stay safe. One of the things we can all do is carry out regular testing even if we don’t have any symptoms. Read this handy guide on what sort of test to take and how to order them. You can find the latest Scottish Government guidance on their website.
Talent and Performance Team Customer Satisfaction
There’s still time to provide feedback to the team on the service they’re delivering. Whether you’ve contacted them about eLearning, performance, workforce planning, first aid, equalities or social work training board activities, they would love to hear from you. Please share your experience in this short survey
https://forms.office.com/r/EjcSZZh5Di
Have a lovely weekend
Pippa