A cut above the rest – Poole care home hero crowned

Home news

Aug 17, 2020

Residents and colleagues at a care home in Poole have praised a team member for her dedication, hard work and passion throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

Sue Phillips, team leader at Care UK’s The Potteries, has been named a ‘Care UK Hero’ for going above and beyond for colleagues and residents in recent months. 

The nomination was shared as part of a nationwide search for Care UK Heroes throughout its 122 care homes. From outstanding colleagues, to residents who have ensured morale remains high, this competition aims to shine a light on these exceptional people. 

In addition to her duties as a team leader, Sue, a former hairdresser, visited the home at weekends and on her days off to ensure residents had their usual haircuts, putting a smile on their faces throughout the pandemic. A team player, Sue is well known for supporting her colleagues at all times, including helping to serve the evening meals.

Sue said: “I’m thrilled to have been named Care UK Hero. Everyone at The Potteries has worked tirelessly over the past few months and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this care home family. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the entire team, who are all my heroes. Each day, they astound me with their kindness and positivity, and I wouldn’t have won this award without their hard work and support.”

To thank Sue and the rest of the team for their hard work, The Potteries’ home manager, Zita Turner, also hosted a small celebration at the home, where everyone was treated to pizza, cake and a glass of fizz. 

Zita added: “We’re incredibly lucky to have Sue in our team here at The Potteries, and not only for her hairdressing skills! In addition to being a fantastic team leader, she’s an incredibly caring and hard-working person who always puts others first.

“Thanks to her hairdressing expertise, Sue helped to brighten the residents’ days and ensured they could continue taking pride in their appearance, making them feel like themselves during a challenging time. She’s been a beacon of light for her colleagues too, covering shifts on short notice, checking in regularly and helping out during mealtimes – nothing is ever too much trouble.

“From our nurses and lifestyle coordinators, to our housekeepers and chefs, everyone has done a tremendous job over the past few months, and I cannot thank Sue and the rest of the team enough for their hard work and for continuing to make The Potteries a wonderful place to live.” 

The Potteries is a state-of-the-art care home with 80 ensuite bedrooms, which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, hairdressers and café, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation. The home has a comprehensive activity programme, offering a mix of themed events, group activities and days out.

For further information on The Potteries, please contact customer relations manager, Caroline Hearne, by emailing caroline.hearne@careuk.com, or call 01202 069 835.

For more general information please visit careuk.com/the-potteries