In a new series of articles we meet Springhill Care Home’s new clinical leads. Susan Balazs holds responsibility for palliative care.

I have worked at Springhill Care Home for around two years on the nursing Milnshaw / Ribble suites.

As Springhill promotes progression and excellent career opportunities to all its employees, I have recently after a successful interview, achieved a clinical lead position.

I’ve had previous experience in care home settings and held a deputy managers position, and I am also a qualified counsellor. This had obviously provided me with an abundance of knowledge and experience within the care home sector.

I am very passionate within my role and caring in nature, as my experience of life has allowed me to travel many journeys, which I believe has shaped my character.

Many years ago I worked as a carer myself, therefore I understand and empathise with the care staff within the home, who I have the highest regard for, and always believe everyone has the potential to better their selves.

The beliefs and resect I have helped me forge strong bonds with the care staff which are built on trust and respect for each other. I strongly believe these relationships and values then filter down and extend to all residents and visitors within the home and trust is then gained as quality care is delivered.

Now I am delighted to have the position of palliative care lead. Although this can be a very difficult and sensitive time of life, it is very important.

I have been allowed into people’s lives and shared so many memories with residents and their families, at the most difficult times, and these memories can last a lifetime.

I continuously reflect upon my role and practice as a nurse and I am very committed and always strive to look for ways to improve services offered. This allows me to grow as a professional and also offer ideas towards future practice and improvements.

Finally, I envisage great potential at Springhill Care Home and I will continually strive towards my ideas to improve and enhance palliative care, always providing quality care to a high standard.

By Susan Balaz

Springhill Care Home 

Springhill Care are committed to developing its staff and when April joined the team 14 months ago as a Health Care Assistant, she also took on the challenge to complete a Level 2 diploma in health and social care.

After a challenging 18 months, April has been a dedicated member of staff who always listens and responds to the needs of residents she cares for within the home. She naturally carries the core values Springhill offers its residents, and achieving this qualification shows how dedicated she is to her profession.

Well done to April from everyone at Springhill Care Home.

The Springhill housekeeping team surprised Joanne for her 50^th birthday after they invited her to a surprise party.

Unbeknown to Joanne, a housekeeper at Springhill, the team had organised a Jacobs join and supplied home-made birthday cake for the occasion. After a lot of secrecy and planning, the team finally got Joanne to the ‘staff training session’ where she didn’t have a clue what was in store.

Both on and off-duty staff attended the party along with the management team, which is testament to her popularity throughout the care home.

The management team also presented Joanne with a beautiful bunch of flowers and colleagues generously gave her an array of gifts that they allowed her to open, even if it was a few days before the big day.

Karen Fairclough, Joanne’s line manager, said: “Jo is loved by all of the team. She started with us five-and-a-half years ago when on work experience and has been happily with us ever since.

“Joanne has a ready smile and is always willing to help out in any way possible. She has a ‘can do’ attitude, and demonstrates a valued contribution to the company, displaying copious amounts of integrity, trust, kindness, dignity and respect – she truly is a valued member of our team.”

It’s safe to say Joanne didn’t have a clue about the surprise party and was extremely grateful to everyone who came to show their faces. Many happy returns Joanne!

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Staff from Springhill Care Home attended the Hyndburn Business Awards this week after being nominated for the ‘Large Business’ category.

Springhill Care Home was in the running with CMAC Group, which ultimately won the award, and Emmerson and Renwick Ltd – last year’s winners, and this year’s winner of the Beacon Award.

The group enjoyed a two-course meal that was prepared and served by students from Accrington and Rossendale College.

This year the Hyndburn Business Awards received a total of 639 nominations, a record figure. These results were whittled down to 164 businesses along with 14 local people, clubs and societies which were nominated for the ‘Pride of Hyndburn Award.’

Staff had an excellent night at the awards and we are all proud Springhill made it into the last three finalists.

A huge thank you goes to all staff at the home for their contributions.

You can view more photographs on our Facebook page by clicking HERE