After some delay in legally formalising their appointments, the new Committee are now managing the Home. The Trust had an online meeting with them recently and we agreed to keep in contact on a more regular basis. The new Committee members are very much engaged with the Home and have decided to divide between them the oversight of three main areas; administration of the Home, social work and support to residents’ families, and nursing care and therapy, where one of the Committee members has extensive experience and contacts in the Peruvian hospital sector.

Last October the Committee had terminated the contract of the Manager of the Home and had taken on a person to administer the Home on an interim basis. We were delighted to hear that they have now appointed a new, professional, full-time Manager. She has a degree in Administration and has made a good start in the role. The Committee also feel that they need leadership in nursing care and therapy and are considering the appointment of a chief nurse that can take up this role. We very much support this proposal.

Something like normal life is gradually returning to Peru. Lockdowns have been lifted, although there are still restrictions and limits on public gatherings. There is concern about a possible third wave in the country since more than a quarter of the adult population is still not vaccinated.

Vaccination rates are better in Piura and all the staff of the Home are fully vaccinated. The Health Ministry sent their people in June to vaccinate the four residents above the age of 18 without them having to leave the Home. A further visit delivered the second dose. In Peru under-18s, including the 10 younger residents of the Home, are not being vaccinated.

The Committee told us that they are in discussion with the local hospital to give medical examinations to the residents, if it can be done safely. The hospital has offered this to recognise Peru’s Disabled Day on 15^th October.

Because of the restrictions still in place, it has not been possible to resume recreational trips for residents and residents are not visiting their families at weekends. Some activities are being organised to entertain them, but these are carried out just outside the Home’s grounds, so the children can enjoy them from the other side of the fence without putting their health at risk.