Three women have taken a huge step and changed careers and are now at the for front of the covid-19 pandemic.

From kitchen staff to frontline Covid healthcare workers the trio embarked on a change they would never have thought possible, prior to the closure of the ward at Wigton Hospital.

Brenda Lock, Penny Deakin and Angela Davenport were part of the kitchen staff based in Wigton Community Hospital. Angela also worked at Maryport Victoria Cottage Hospital.

Now, all three are providing critical support as Home Care Practitioners (HCPs) in the Keswick and Solway Integrated Care Communities.

All three have gone on to further training completing their care certificates, various courses provided by the Trust and courses in medication, dementia and end of life through West Lakes College.

Penny really enjoys her role and adds that she wished she had changed years ago. She said: “The people we care for are such a varied group. I love meeting them and their families. It was difficult at first when we are supporting very poorly people but I’m so well supported by everyone in the team.”

As well loving her role Angela said: “I still pinch myself some days when I reflect on how things have changed. We didn’t used to have to do a lot of paperwork but now we are using computers all the time and doing things like agile working.”

Brenda said: “If you told me two years ago what I would be doing now I just wouldn’t have believed you. I still miss the kitchen but the camaraderie within the team is amazing."