Local Labour MP Visits Highcliffe Care Home for ‘Good Care’ Campaign

Highcliffe Care Home was delighted to welcome Lewis Atkinson, Labour MP for Sunderland Central, as part of his ‘Good Care’ campaign.

Residents and colleagues at the Avery Healthcare-owned care home enjoyed MP Atkinson’s visit, where they spoke to him about life at Highcliffe Care Home, an integral part of the local community in Sunderland.

Lewis Atkinson has been the MP for Sunderland Central since July 4th 2024. His ‘Good Care’ campaign is dedicated to promoting high-quality care across local communities.

MP Atkinson announced plans to establish a National Care Service with consistent, high-quality standards across the country. Services will focus on a ‘home first’ approach, supporting independent living.

A Fair Pay Agreement will also ensure fair wages and conditions for all care workers.

During his visit, MP Atkinson toured the 60-bed facility, engaging warmly with staff and residents.

He remarked, “‘It was a pleasure to visit Highcliffe Care Home. It was clear when meeting both the staff and residents that the home has caring, enthusiastic staff and a range of fantastic activities for residents.”

While visiting, MP Atkinson asked insightful questions about the various services the home utilises to ensure excellent care for their residents, such as GPs and District Nurses.

Highcliffe Care Home staff were thrilled to meet the new MP and share their experience of working in healthcare.

Syed Haque, Care Assistant at Highcliffe Care Home, expressed, “I enjoy working at Highcliffe Care Home every day. It was wonderful to have MP Atkinson here and see how much he cares about our quality of care. I love spending time with the residents, and it’s clear that he values the hard work we put into making this place special.”

Sharon Thirlaway, Chef at Highcliffe Care Home, added, “I’ve worked in a few care homes before, but Highcliffe Care Home is different – it feels like a true home.”

Marie Brook, who has been a resident at Highcliffe since 2022, shared, “I enjoy living here, and it was so nice to meet MP Atkinson. His visit made me feel valued, and I appreciate that he took the time to listen to us.”

“I enjoy my company here in the care home, and it feels good knowing that people like him are looking out for our wellbeing.”

Doreen Hellens, another resident at Highcliffe Care Home, added, “We feel safe in the home and cared for by the staff.”

“Having MP Atkinson visit and ask about our lives shows he truly cares about our happiness and comfort.”