DURING the coronavirus pandemic, several hotels in Cornwall have transformed themselves into pseudo care homes, providing their spaces to help relieve the pressure on hospitals.

Now, a hotel worker from Redruth has spoken out about how it felt to be part of a team helping vulnerable people just out of hospital to stay in their hotel during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Three hotels were initially set up by Cornwall Council, working with the hotel staff, Corserv community care services and voluntary groups to support people before they were able to go home.

The Carnmarth Hotel in Newquay, the Penventon Park in Redruth and the St Moritz near Wadebridge turned their hotels into safe places to stay so that vital hospital beds could be used to treat those in hospital that most needed it.

Voluntary groups like Newquay Lions and care workers from Corserv community care services all helped make sure people were supported while Cornwall Council’s social care team arranged for guests to go home with the support they needed.

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for adults, Rob Rotchell, said: “I can’t thank the hotels enough for what they have done. People from across Cornwall have come together when we most needed it and it’s great to hear from Laura at the Penventon Park about her experiences.”

Laura Pascoe, from the Penventon Park hotel, said: “Even though this is not our normal, the new normal, as it is for now, is very rewarding.

"There have been days when it has been incredibly stressful and busy, but at the end of the day, when we go home we know we’ve done a good job to the best of our abilities and we feel a great sense of achievement and satisfaction that we’ve been able to do something that is really helping our community.”

Laura has seen her role change dramatically, from a personnel administrator to a cook. She also reports how their hotel has changed dramatically but that it was worth it to be able to help people.

Cllr Rotchell added: “I’ve never seen anything like this happen in my career before, the unprecedented demand for health and care services has seen some changes in the way the system works.

"Our social care teams now work in ‘community co-ordination centres’ which sees them working side by side, metaphorically, with community NHS workers, with one single referral that allows the team to allocate a worker that best meets the needs of the person, reducing duplication of work.”

“Now that we are moving towards a different phase of the lockdown our staff are looking very closely at what will happen next to make sure services continue to work as efficiently as they can, helping people to receive the care they need as close to home as possible.”

Alison Waller, managing director of Corserv’s community care services, said: “The discharge lounges have been life-changing for many of our residents, allowing them to rest and recuperate in a safe and comfortable environment.

"I’d like to thank the hotels for quickly adapting their services and facilities and for supporting our teams to help care for residents.”

The St Moritz Hotel has now been stood down but people continue to be cared for at the hotels in Newquay and Redruth.