Patients from hospitals in Dorset who have been transferred to Encore Care Homes for specialist care have praised the support they have received from the staff.

Residents who were non-Covid hospital admissions have been welcomed into Encore Care Homes, after a negative Covid test result.

They have been receiving temporary care through a partnership with the NHS to reduce the pressure on hospitals.

Peggy Aedy, 78, who arrived at Great Oaks in January from Bournemouth Hospital, said: “I had choked on my food, which is why I went into hospital. I live by myself with the help of carers coming in three times a day. The staff at Great Oaks have been very helpful."

Steve Lillington, 68, who arrived at Oakdale also in January from Bournemouth Hospital, said: “I had two strokes in a matter of months. I just look at life and see that other people have it worse than me right now. "

In response to the NHS partnership, Encore Care Homes is looking to welcome 500 Dorset residents to sign up to its not-for-profit care agency, Care Club.

A range of roles are available including Registered Nurses, Care Practitioners, Senior Healthcare Assistants (Senior HCAs), and Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), based in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch.

Benefits for Care Club members include high rates of pay, a cash bonus of £30-60 for every full shift worked, and the flexibility of choosing the care home they wish to work at, as well as their hours. Care Club members will also be included in the rollout of vaccines across Encore Care Homes.

People who are looking for a change of career and are new to care are also encouraged to sign up to Care Club.

For more information and to apply for a role within Care Club, go to Careclub.encorecarehomes.co.uk