"Scrooge" Bournemouth council tells care staff not to accept Christmas gifts (From Thisisdorset)
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"Scrooge" Bournemouth council tells care staff not to accept Christmas gifts
9:24am Wednesday 16th December 2009 in
A DISABLED pensioner has branded Bournemouth council bosses Scrooges after being banned from giving her carers Christmas gifts.
Norma Cail, 66, who is confined to a wheelchair and relies on her specially-trained Labrador, Sonny, to help with everyday chores, said: “My carers are my lifeline; without them I couldn’t get up in the morning.
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
"Let’s hope that when Santa comes down the Bournemouth Town Hall chimney on Christmas Eve he leaves a nice box of gift-wrapped common sense in their stocking. He certainly shouldn’t count on finding by the municipal fireplace a glass of sherry and a carrot for the reindeer. Sorry Father Christmas. Rules are rules. No exceptions."
“As well as doing their job they will put their arms around me and give me a cuddle when I’m down or ignore my moods when I’m in a bad temper. They’re lovely and I just wanted to show my gratitude.”
Norma, who has suffered strokes and has various health problems including osteoarthritis and asthma, bought £4.99 writing sets for her three main carers.
Norma said: “I got a letter saying I couldn’t buy them gifts. I couldn’t believe the council could be so mean. Sadly Scrooge is alive and well in Bournemouth.”
The letter from the council’s home care manager, Teresa Quain, said: “...council staff are not allowed to receive personal gifts... Please can I ask that you do not give gifts to the staff, and thus place them in a position of having to decline”.
Norma, a former auxiliary nurse, who lives in sheltered accommodation at Vale Road, Boscombe, told the Daily Echo: “I told the council I’m not happy but rules are rules and they won’t back down. It’s really upset me – so much for the Christmas spirit.”
Neil Smurthwaite, the council’s director for community care services, said: “I appreciate that, at this time of year, service users may wish to give a gift to the staff who have provided them with support throughout the year.
“Thank you letters and cards are always appreciated. However in line with the requirements of our registration with the Care Quality Commission and with the council’s code of conduct, staff are not allowed to accept individual gifts.
“This is not unique to Bournemouth – all local authorities have similar policies and procedures they must adhere to.”
Comments(25)
West Howe Sean
says...
10:30am Wed 16 Dec 09
Why are there so many articles that are unavailable for comment?
Duckorange
says...
10:39am Wed 16 Dec 09
West Howe Sean wrote:Comments are either closed on some items due to either legal reasons, or if the exchange of comments has become abusive or offensive. The Echo's got to protect its good name.
Daily Echo as a news paper you should like the NUJ encourage freedom of speech. Why are there so many articles that are unavailable for comment?
/NUJ member
//NOT Echo staff
neppirasj
says...
10:49am Wed 16 Dec 09
d Housing unit where this policy is also in place. The receiving and giving of gifts is lovely but it is not acceptable and as far as I am aware, has not been allowed for some 10 years or more now within most organisations. Nothing new!
gerbil112
says...
11:45am Wed 16 Dec 09
s-pb2
says...
12:41pm Wed 16 Dec 09
Its sad that council workers get criticised with the same brush after the Kings Park road debacle, Mcloughlins laptop, senior management & councllior cover ups, and many more.
But generally, as in this instance carers, and other workers like street/refuse staff, housing officers, youth workers, building maintenance people and social workers do such a fantastic job which generally goes unrecognised by senior management, councillors and sad to say the public.
contric
says...
1:29pm Wed 16 Dec 09
lceel
says...
1:38pm Wed 16 Dec 09
MJD
says...
1:53pm Wed 16 Dec 09
John T
says...
2:44pm Wed 16 Dec 09
[Chris]
says...
3:35pm Wed 16 Dec 09
.
If the need arises, and I want to give a present, I will...............
sea poole
says...
3:50pm Wed 16 Dec 09
'Rules are there when there's a lack of trust.' How true.
colin 50
says...
3:54pm Wed 16 Dec 09
grimreaper
says...
4:19pm Wed 16 Dec 09
poolebabe
says...
5:02pm Wed 16 Dec 09
.
When I was a carer, they used to allow small gifts and the limit was just Christmas and it had to be under £5 and was not allowed to be cash at all and had to go through the managers first. I see nothing wrong with that idea at all. :/ To ban it alltogether is just harsh, but I guess they are worried that people feel oblidged to do it, even though they may not be able to afford it. Not everyone can :/
sea poole
says...
5:10pm Wed 16 Dec 09
It's better to have trust with a little bit of something rather than a whole load of...nothing
essexman
says...
5:47pm Wed 16 Dec 09
Some would not even countenance a cuppa, even if the brew was on the go. IMO that's going too far.
WIGGINSv
says...
5:49pm Wed 16 Dec 09
contric wrote:Quite right contric, after all the binmen get 'little gifts' at this time of year.......and pay tax on them by the way.
how can giving a little gift that should be an easy little thing be made hard by certain people
inyerpocket
says...
7:25pm Wed 16 Dec 09
poolebabe
says...
7:36pm Wed 16 Dec 09
sea poole wrote:If you read what I wrote, you will see I agree with you. It does annoy me when people don't read before they quote me.
poolebabe - One can get suffocated in 'rules.' Even your initial paragraph on this site had three mentions of the word. The problem with 'r...s' is that they become a challenge and often pushed to the boundaries. It's better to have trust with a little bit of something rather than a whole load of...nothing
.
Whether you like the word or not, RULES are there for the protection of everyone. Not just the clients, but the carers as well. Unless you have worked in the profession, you will not understand the need for these RULES. Unless of course you have the ability to think out the consequences. This is not just a case of what if's and lack of trust. Rewarding carers can, has done and does have consequences, whether you believe it or not, or understand it or not. It's hard to draw the line as to what is acceptable, and whilst I agree that banning small gifts of little monetry value is harsh, it is done for the protection of everyone involved to eliminate mis-understandings or abuse of the situation. It makes what I write sound accusationary, but we do not live in a fluffy bunny world. Not everyone "gives" with the right intentions, not every one "recieves" with the right intentions either. Sometimes people might give with the right intention, but a small mis-understanding could lead the carer in a whole heap of trouble. Some people feel oblidged to give when they can't afford it. Sometimes the relatives are the ones that object. In fact some relatives object to a lot of things! You have to remember that most people who need carers are some of the most vulnerable people in society. They are not all able to make decisions, so trust is vital and lines have to be drawn.
.
The caring profession is diverse. Rich, poor, old, young, inbetween, mental health, physical needs. It's as diverse as society. That's why it is difficult to draw a line, and I'm afraid common sense and trust are not enough alone.
Bob49
says...
7:39pm Wed 16 Dec 09
Yes it does impact hard on some at this time of year but any common sense thought would be aware of the inplications and reasons. Sadly not on here though as the regular cranks bleat out at every opportunity. Might be better for them to go to the local theatre and boo at the pantomime villian than to clutter up this forum with their witless bleats.
Shame on the Echo for pandering to them by repeatedly hoisting up emotive headlines.
rainbowkisses
says...
9:44pm Wed 16 Dec 09
WIGGINSv wrote:That used to be the case Wiggens. Since the introduction of wheelie bins, which we have to put out, and retrieve, ourselves, and won't be unloaded if the lid is up more than 2mm, you will find most people don't bother giving the xmas tip to bin men. I know I don't. Nor do I give the postman a tip, as quite often I have to go to the next street to deliver mail that should have gone there, and collect mine. Neither service deserves a tip nowadays. I agree with the poster who said, sod the rules, if they want to give a present to their carers, then give it. Most carers are wonderful people who always go that extra mile to help their clients. More than can be said for the top brass in the Council. I bet those in power wouldn't be happy if they never got their xmas brown envelope.
contric wrote: how can giving a little gift that should be an easy little thing be made hard by certain peopleQuite right contric, after all the binmen get 'little gifts' at this time of year.......and pay tax on them by the way.
lemontree
says...
8:03pm Thu 17 Dec 09
bofors
says...
6:15pm Sat 19 Dec 09
Bob49 wrote:As you say bob,the rules are there to protect,i have known of several grabbing carers,and there are many undetected.
The rules are there to protect the staff and ultimately those being cared for. How many times do we read of 'carers' and such like robbing vunerable people. How diffiucult would it be to prove that what was taken was not a gift ?
Yes it does impact hard on some at this time of year but any common sense thought would be aware of the inplications and reasons. Sadly not on here though as the regular cranks bleat out at every opportunity. Might be better for them to go to the local theatre and boo at the pantomime villian than to clutter up this forum with their witless bleats.
Shame on the Echo for pandering to them by repeatedly hoisting up emotive headlines.
pipistrollers
says...
6:55pm Sat 19 Dec 09
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Norma Cail, 66, wanted to give gifts to her carers
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NOGREYAREA says...
10:28am Wed 16 Dec 09