Harrogate healthcare specialist combats the recruitment crisis with wage increases

Harrogate based Vida Healthcare has announced a successful year for the recruitment and retention of staff, despite the challenges that continue to face the social care sector.

The provider of specialist dementia care recently announced that it had permanently increased the wages of its frontline care staff by 30 per cent which is 20 per cent higher than the sector average.

The pay increase has led to Vida attracting 120 new staff members across its three care homes. The positions that have been filled include care assistants, registered nurses and wellbeing staff.

A number of roles continue to benefit from the permanent pay increase, including qualified care assistants whose hourly rate increased from £9.61 to £12.32, and nurses whose hourly rate increased from £18.50 to £22.50. Other positions include bank care assistants, senior care assistants, and team leaders.

Jayne Christie, team leader at Vida Healthcare who has recently joined the dementia care specialist, commented: “It’s been a challenge to find a role in the sector which can provide the support that I need both in my job and out of work.

“Joining Vida was a no-brainer thanks to the amazing things that are available to support myself and my colleagues like the pay increase and the amazing surroundings in the care homes.

“Social care is a really rewarding career, but it can be incredibly demanding both mentally and physically. Knowing that my employer cares about me and my wellbeing means a lot!”

Vida Healthcare is one of the Harrogate District’s largest employers with over 470 staff members. The care home operator also supports 203 residents living with dementia who originate from across the UK and beyond.

A range of initiatives have been put in place to attract new talent so that the specialist and high level of care offered by the provider can continue to be delivered to residents.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, added: “It’s really important to us that we demonstrate to our team how much we appreciate and value them so that we can continue combating this crisis.

“Establishing various benefits including the pay increase and our bespoke training platform ‘Vida Academy’ also supports our colleagues in providing the best care to our residents.”