Compassion and care brings award for Islington carer

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Nov 26, 2014

A commitment to giving true and lasting care has brought Joanne Stephenson, who works at Care UK’s Highbury New Park day centre, a national award for her dedication and compassion.

Joanne, who has been a team leader at the day centre in Islington for three years, was nominated for the Carer of the Year award by centre manager Debbie McLean. She said: “Joanne is not just a team leader; she is enthusiastic, caring, sensitive and calm and she always works from her heart.”

Debbie also said that Joanne is highly professional in her manner and encourages others to strive for the same high standards, promoting training and making sure that learning is spread among her team.

As an example of Joanne’s compassionate care, she said that Joanne kept in touch with a lady who used to use the centre and who later went into the neighbouring residential home. When the lady went into hospital earlier this year, Joanne visited her and took her a cake and cards on her birthday.

Debbie said: “Joanne celebrated with the nurses and family members and took photos of the lady. At about 5:30pm that same day, she received a telephone call saying that the lady had died not long after Joanne left the hospital. The family visited us to express their sincere gratitude to Joanne for the love and continued care she gave and for being a part of their Nan, aunt and sister’s life.”

The Carer of the Year award is given to a carer who consistently provides high quality care, supports people to lead fulfilling lives and who can demonstrate that they treat each person as an individual.

Judging the awards, which cover all of Care UK’s 114 residential homes, chief operating officer Carole Hunt, said: “Joanne is an enthusiastic, calm and sensitive carer. She understands how dementia affects people and their families and always works from her heart with a smile on her face. She treats all her day club members with respect, courtesy and professionalism and gives them every opportunity to make informed choices. 

“She’s always prepared to go the extra mile for her club members and believes it’s the little things that make so much difference.”

Joanne, who received her award at the Residential Care Services dinner on Thursday 20 November, said: “I was surprised and thrilled to find out that I’d won this award. I have a great team at the centre, and they are all dedicated to doing the best they can for all our users and their families.”