Stepping up to the plate – Enfield care home hero crowned

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Sep 03, 2020

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

John Alexandrou, head chef at Care UK’s Elizabeth Lodge, on Pennington Drive, 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.

John was praised by his colleagues for going above and beyond for residents throughout the pandemic and for his creativity, always innovating and creating new, tasty dishes and cakes adapted to the residents’ dietary needs. As well as making sure all residents had lots of delicious and nutritious meals, he prepared delicious truffles to mark World Chocolate Day and regularly makes treats for his colleagues.  

John said: “I’m so thrilled to have been chosen as a Care UK Hero. Knowing that my dishes have made a difference throughout these challenging times means the world to me, and I’m pleased I was able to do my part in supporting the rest of the team. Everyone at Elizabeth Lodge has worked really hard to create an environment which promotes wellbeing and positivity, and I’m really grateful for their support.”

Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, added: “The past few months have been challenging for the whole team, but John’s upbeat attitude went a long way – and so did his delicious meals and treats!  

“Meal times are an important part of residents’ routines, and no one understands this better than John. Not only has he maintained the highest possible food standards, he has also gone out of his way to come up with new dishes to celebrate special days. I know the whole team is also very grateful for the special treats he made to keep us going. 

“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 John and the rest of the team enough for their hard work and for continuing to make Elizabeth Lodge a wonderful place to live.” 

Elizabeth Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care.

To find out more about Elizabeth Lodge, please call customer relations manager, Samantha Neal, on 0333 4343 024, or email samantha.neal@careuk.com 

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/elizabeth-lodge