Exceptional Gloucestershire care home workers recognised at annual ceremony

FOR the eighth consecutive year, the Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) – one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit care home providers – celebrated its stand-out care workers throughout Gloucestershire during a special awards ceremony.

The Trust’s annual Gloucestershire Employee Awards took place at Jury’s Inn in Cheltenham on Tuesday, May 10.

Presented by Assistant Operations Director Chris Poole, over 140 employees from the Trust’s 18 care homes throughout the county received certificates of recognition, including Maureen Townsend of Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham – this year’s Carer of the Year.

Awarded for her dedication and commitment to both the residents and her colleagues, Maureen was praised for her passion for dementia care.

As part of her role, she has pioneered the introduction of doll therapy within Monkscroft, encouraging other employees to engage with this type of therapy, as well as starting a memory café at the home.

Additionally, Emma-Leigh Brain from Westbury Court in Westbury-on-Severn won the title of Young Carer of the Year due to her caring and supportive nature.

Emma-Leigh was commended for her commitment and her ability to constantly review her own practice, questioning current practice and offering suggestions for ways to improve the home.

Emma-Leigh puts the residents’ best interests at the heart of everything she does and always goes above and beyond to better the home.

This year’s Leader of the Year title was awarded to Claudette Campbell, Care Leader from Millbrook Lodge in Brockworth, for her dedication within the home.

Claudette is a great mentor for new employees and a huge support for the nursing team, often assisting at unsociable times.

Claudette also supports residents on trips and escorts them to various appointments.

She is the lead for moving and handling within Millbrook Lodge, as well as the falls link.

OSJCT volunteer Michael Bosworth from Paternoster House in Cirencester received the Volunteer of the Year award.

Michael has volunteered for 10 years and is often fundraising for the residents’ amenity fund, promoting outings and encouraging residents to participate in activities.

Michael is described as being sensitive and trustworthy, and he places a strong emphasis on people sharing and enjoying life together within the community.

The 2015 Hospitality Award was presented to Rachel Curran, Housekeeper / Laundry Assistant from Bohanam House in Barnwood for her commitment to her role.

Rachel takes great pride in ensuring all laundry is returned to the residents in pristine condition and in a timely manner.

Understanding the importance of people’s personal belongings, Rachel treats them with the same care and respect that she would her own clothing and personal items.

She has positively flourished in the two years she has been at Bohanam House.

Care & Quality Accreditation Awards were also presented to Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham in the category of Infection Prevention & Control.

28 employees also received certificates for completing qualifications in Business Administration Level 2, Hospitality Supervision & Leadership Level 3, Food Production and Cooking Level 2, Cleaning and Support Services Skills, Health and Social Care Diploma Level 2 and Level 3, Leadership Management of Care Service Level 5, Leadership Management – Coaching & Mentoring Management Level 5, Moving and Handling Trainer, Care Certificate and Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care Level 2.

In addition, one employee, Evelyn Underwood, was presented with a Long Service Award for 25 years employment with the Trust.

Chris Poole, OSJCT Assistant Operations Director for Gloucestershire, said: “Our team members play a critical role in the Trust providing our residents with the highest quality person-centred care, and, because of this, our annual ceremony is a very special event for us. Not only does it bring together our care teams from across the county, but it also gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude to all of the hard-working men and women who make a tremendous difference in our residents’ lives.

“All of the employees honoured at this year’s event have shown the utmost commitment and dedication to the Trust and everyone living under our care. Whether celebrating long service, individual training achievements and group accreditations to garnering praise from colleagues, all of 2016’s recipients are extremely deserving of the recognition and a big thank you.”

2016 Award Recipients

Carer of the Year: Maureen Townsend from Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham

Young Carer of the Year: Emma-Leigh Brain from Westbury Court in Westbury on Severn

Unsung Hero: Pete Hudson from Millbrook Lodge in Brockworth

Leader of the Year: Claudette Campbell from Millbrook Lodge in Brockworth

Hospitality Award: Rachel Curran from Bohanam House in Barnwood

Volunteer of the Year: Michael Bosworth from Paternoster House in Cirencester

Activity Coordinator of the Year: Anne-Marie Damsell from Southfield in Stroud

Office/Support Employee of the Year: Jackie Norman from Gloucestershire County Office in Barnwood.

Staff Long Service Award:

25 Years of Service: Evelyn Underwood from The Elms in Stonehouse

Care & Quality Accreditation Award

Infection Prevention and Control: Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham

For more information about OSJCT, visit osjct.co.uk