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Our team at
Ventress Hall

Trusted to care in Darlington, County Durham

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Meet our friendly care team

There's a strong family atmosphere here at Ventress Hall, and it's all down to our superb team. Some of us have worked for years in the care sector, while others have moved from other industries, or have cared for family members and then wanted to care for others. You can find out more about us on these pages.

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Diane Encinias

Home Manager

I joined Ventress Hall back in the 1990s, progressing from a carer to a senior and then to become the deputy manager.

I became Home Manager in November 2019.

All of my experience enables me to challenge our practices, improve what we do and strengthen our relationships with the local CCG and healthcare team – all for the benefit of our residents.

I love seeing the residents happy, and I enjoy seeing the positive impact of the work we do. We often have residents join us for short term respite care as they convalesce after an illness or operation. It’s wonderful to see them recover and return home. 

I’ve worked with many of the team here for many years. I have a profound respect for them and recognise each of their contributions. It’s safe to say that this home has a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to developing Ventress Hall even further so we can deliver even greater outcomes for residents and their families.

Conrad Benson
Maintenance

I’ve worked in various trades, including painting and decorating and on the electrical side.

Having that range of experience is really useful in this role as you never know what each day will bring. That’s part of the attraction of the job. I love solving problems and I like having the autonomy to get on with whatever needs fixing.

I was keen to join Care UK and Ventress Hall because of its impressive ratings. Everyone I met at my interview was really nice too – it was easy to see myself working here. I enjoy supporting the residents in whatever way I can. You get very attached to the residents, which makes it unlike any other job I’ve had. 

Our experienced teams

Every day Care UK colleagues live our values of passionate, caring and teamwork to empower residents to enjoy fulfilling lives.

Carers

Our hardworking teams always keep individuals and their families at the heart of the care they provide. We work with you to shape the care your loved one receives, the food they’re served, the activities and experiences they want to do – even the ways they prefer to keep in touch with their friends and family. 

Nurses

The nurses at Care UK are highly skilled and receive sector-leading training, which enables them to keep developing expertise in different clinical fields from dementia to palliative care.

Lifestyle

Our dedicated lifestyle teams work hard to organise a range of activities and events at our home. From gardening and baking to quizzes, music sessions and even live entertainment. Above all, we get to know your loved one to make sure our activities are tailored to suit their interests and hobbies.

Home support roles

From catering to maintenance, housekeeping to administration, our home support teams play a crucial part in ensuring individuals enjoy an exceptional and safe service every day.

All our teams get to know each person they care for to ensure they provide a service that’s designed around their unique needs and tastes. 

Infection control

Each of our homes have a trained Infection Control and Prevention Champion – they are responsible for carrying out daily infection control audit and ensuring cleaning protocols are meticulously applied.