Conservative led Wiltshire Council is working with Salisbury District Hospital and service providers across Wiltshire to highlight that we're all #InItTogether when responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent weeks key workers delivering critical services for the council have been threatened and verbally abused. This includes being shouted out, sworn at and racially abused. The hospital is supporting us to ensure residents across Wiltshire know that it is vital partners work successfully together to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The new #InItTogether campaign aims to highlight the way that all services are closely aligned and it is vital that residents respect staff from all agencies during this unprecedented time.
Wiltshire Council's Joint Chief Executives Alistair Cunningham and Terence Herbert, said: "Abuse of colleagues is unacceptable at any time and we are disappointed to hear that people are receiving verbal abuse while carrying out critical work across Wiltshire.
"It is vital that we continue to deliver essential services to support our partners. If we didn't enforce dangerous parking it might prevent an emergency vehicle gaining access and our care workers are supporting vulnerable residents to ensure they get the care they need in a supportive environment.
"We would like to thank our colleagues at Salisbury District Hospital for their continued support at this time. Now, more than ever we must come together and show we are in it together as we respond to this pandemic."
Cara Charles-Barks, Chief Executive at Salisbury District Hospital said " We are only able to do our job of providing critical care for our patients thanks to the fantastic support of all key workers and our local community. We would like to particularly thank the staff at Wiltshire Council for looking after our elderly and vulnerable in the community and for going the extra mile at this time. Please can everyone show the same level of respect for essential council staff as they do for the NHS."
Please support the campaign by sharing the #InItTogether posts on social media and telling us your positive stories. Also remember to follow the national healthcare guidelines to stay at home unless necessary, respect social distancing and maintain good hand hygiene.