‘A true team player’ – Sutton Coldfield care home hero crowned

Home news

Aug 17, 2020

A care home in Sutton Coldfield has praised a team member for her dedication, hard work and passion throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Andrea Paikkou, team leader at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, 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.

Andrea, who has worked at Mercia Grange since its opening, was praised for her can-do attitude and her willingness to go the extra-mile to help her colleagues, whether that be by supporting the marketing team or assisting the lifestyle coordinators during their activities. To ensure she could continue to provide the best possible care for residents, she moved into the home at the start of lock down, and even set up a pen pal scheme with a school.

Andrea said: “I’m delighted to have been announced as one of the Care UK Heroes. I know just how difficult the past few months have been, especially for families, so it was important for me to help as much as I could – I’m glad I was able to make a difference. The whole team at Mercia Grange has worked really hard to create a positive environment, and I’m really grateful for their support.”

Shirley Gibbs, home manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Andrea has truly gone above and beyond to ensure residents and their families are cared for in the best possible way, going as far as moving into the home so residents would be supported with a familiar face.

“Andrea has been a ray of sunshine throughout the pandemic; she’s a fantastic team player, and she never shies away from helping out a colleague. I know her support means the world to the team, and how much residents appreciate her involvement in the activities – she’s known for her love of fancy dress here at Mercia Grange!  

“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 Andrea and the rest of the team enough for their hard work and for continuing to make Mercia Grange a wonderful place to live.”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

For more information about Mercia Grange, call customer relations manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/mercia-grange