Health secretary Sajid Javid spends Valentine's Day visiting care home residents

Care home residents got a visit from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid on Valentine’s Day, who told them he was passionate about the need to “reform services”.

During a visit to the Willows care home in Romford, Essex, Mr Javid met met residents Peggy James and Iris Stanley who gave him sweets and watched as he broke open a large heart-shaped piñata to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Heart breaker: Minister smashes heart-shaped pinata

The minister handed out bunches of red roses to residents at the 72-bed care home, as part of his week-long national ‘Road to recovery’ tour, focusing on Covid-19 recovery, social care reform, NHS waiting lists and health inequalities.

While he may have broken a giant heart-shaped pinata during his visit, many in the care sector hope the health secretary won't be breaking any promises to introduce reform.

Sajid Javid said: “It’s been incredible to see first-hand the astonishing work being carried out by health and social care staff across the East of England, and I’ve enjoyed speaking to local residents and hearing what they would like from our healthcare services as we recover from COVID-19.”

Sajid Javid: 'My mission to reform services'

Mr Javid thanked staff “who’ve shared their thoughts and experiences with me and who have given me the opportunity to talk about my mission to reform services so they better serve their needs.”

The health secretary's visit on 14 February, follows the publication of the government’s Integration white paper on 9 February, which looks to bring NHS and local government closer together to improve care.

Mr Javid said joined up health and care systems involving shared records, earlier intervention and greater transparency will include using technology to monitor seizures, breathing and falls.

At the care home, the minister met Martin Green, the chief executive of Care England, to discuss how integration with the NHS can help care homes.

Martin Green said Mr Javid “showed during his visit that he is committed to an integrated system" and "understands that it is important that all organisations focus on outcomes and people, rather than structures and processes”.

The minister spoke to staff about their experiences of the pandemic, which saw care homes across the UK battle to protect their residents from COVID-19

Staff working for care homes run by Canford Healthcare have won Covid-related awards, including Delphina Andrews, nurse team leader, who was nominated by a family member for her efforts to keep the relative's mother safe.

The care home’s manager Claudia Ramsamy won the Social Care Covid Hero award in the 2020 Great British Care Awards (East of England region).

Laird MacKay, chief operating officer at Canford Healthcare, which runs Willows Care Home, said: "It was our great pleasure to welcome Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Mr Sajid Javid.

“They were interested to hear about the experiences of the pandemic, the challenges that we faced, and the support that we feel is needed within the sector moving forward.

“We have wonderful staff at the home who talked with pride about the care they provide and the opportunities that there are to create a career within the sector”.