Warmth and dedication shine through at Care UK RCS Stars Awards

Company news

Dec 29, 2015

Warmth, compassion and a truly personal approach were common factors in many of the Care UK Residential Care Services (RCS) Stars Awards presented at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire, by managing director Andrew Knight.

Ben Goddard’s “exceptionally caring manner”, giving relatives confidence that their loved one is well cared for, and his readiness to involve them in care planning, helped to win him the carer of the year award. A team leader at Cedrus House, in Stowmarket, Ben’s dedication and commitment won through in the face of stiff competition from more than 110 other care homes nationally.

Michelle Webster, home manager at Cedrus House, said: “We’re all thrilled that Ben picked up the carer of the year award. He’s a valuable member of the team and I’m delighted that his dedication and commitment to caring for residents and their families has been recognised on a national scale. Ben is a thoroughly deserving winner.”

A superb commitment to great care was also demonstrated in DVD form for the judges when they came to consider the award for great dementia care. The passion and enthusiasm of the team from Cleves Place in Haverhill shone through in their DVD, which involved residents living at the home, who are clearly at the heart of all they do.

Residents have chosen two new pets for the home; a rescue dog called Emma and Nico the parrot. They’re already proving popular. Home manager Sharlene Van Tonder said: “The team and I are so pleased to have won the award for great dementia care. We’re so passionate and committed to ensuring residents are happy and enjoying life at Cleves Place.”

Lacey Travers, clinical lead at The Potteries in Poole, has used her nursing skills combined with a person-centred approach to improve life for both colleagues and residents in the home, and was presented with the nurse of the year award for her efforts. She said: “Putting others first and working well as part of a team really is what caring for others is all about. I’m completely thrilled and very proud to have picked up this award.”

Clinical lead of the year went to Indu Paramasivan, from Beech Hurst in Haywards Heath – this new award acknowledged her understanding of residents’ needs and her commitment to person-centred care.

Prioritising residents’ needs, coupled with an outstanding ability to recognise when a challenging situation is developing and act to defuse it, brought Rachel Carter from Tall Trees in Colchester the Care UK angel of the year award. She was chosen by residents and relatives who agreed that her care for individuals was very much appreciated.

There was also recognition for those whose practical skills combine with their dedication to benefit residents. Peter McGregor from Perry Manor in Worcester was crowned chef of the year, while Kelvin Luscombe from Heather View in East Sussex won the maintenance man of the year award.

The judges heard that Kevin not only does his job expertly and efficiently but he also enhances the lives of many residents and is a great ambassador for Care UK. Bernie Sheridan, who has worked at Pinetum in Chester for 15 years, was also honoured with the housekeeper of the year award. Her colleagues described her as ‘invaluable, committed and simply brilliant’.

Christine Reay, described as an asset to Ponteland Manor and always on top of things at the home, won the administrator of the year award, with her excellent people skills coming into their own when looking after prospective customers. The award for outstanding leadership went to Katherine Foley, manager at Prince George House in Ipswich, whose clear vision for the new home has inspired her team.

Making Sandfields in Cheltenham a hub both for residents and the local community, David Ible’s work as activity co-ordinator saw his efforts recognised with this year’s activities award. David was praised for his focus on providing engaging activities for all residents, as well as organising outings and celebrations and relatives too praised his empathetic, caring and cheerful nature.

The vital role of support functions was also acknowledged at the awards evening, with the commercial finance team, led by Luke Banner, winning support team of the year for their helpful and professional advice on all commercial issues. Sales and marketing skills won Judy Wray an award for her work at Ventress Hall in Darlington. She sought out training and then put it into practice, offering excellent customer service along the way.

Acting swiftly characterise the two homes which impressed the judges so much that they couldn’t choose between them for the most improved home of the year award. Shared by Mowat Court in Aberdeenshire and Hollins Park in Macclesfield, Cheshire, the award recognises a positive response to difficulties and challenges.

Celebrating quality of care across the board, Field Lodge, winner of the home of the year award, is run by a team committed to fulfilling residents’ lives and working for full family involvement. This standard of care is also evident in Scotland, the winner of the region of the year award, where all services are rated good or very good.

Care UK runs 114 care homes nationwide, providing places for more than 7,000 people.