Springhill Care Home’s own Donna Walmsley was honoured recently when she was shortlisted for a major award.
Donna was a finalist in the Dementia Carer Award category of the Great British Care Awards’ northern heats.
She was one of a number of staff from across the Springhill Care Group to be recognised by judges at the awards, a series of regional events throughout England, designed to celebrate excellence across the care sector.
The awards feature 21 categories, and include all areas of the sector such as older people, specialist services or residential and home care.
Winners of the regional titles go on to take part in a national competition.
In the end, Donna wasn’t successful but all her colleagues are very proud of her for making it to the finals.
On the night, Springhill group chairman Ken Nolan was crowned the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Social Care award, and Virginia Perkins, head of human resources, won the Care Newcomer award.
Judges praised Ken and the Springhill Care Group, saying: Ken Nolan has worked tirelessly for over 32 years to deliver the highest quality care. Ken is driven by the values of social care, and the services which Ken leads are beacons of quality and innovation and are always connected to the local community.
“Ken Nolan's contribution to the care sector goes far beyond the services that he leads and delivers, he is a true sector champion and a great ambassador for the entire sector.”
Meanwhile, in the South West regional finals, staff member Trudy Palmer, team leader at Riversway Care Home in Bristol, was named the winner of the Frontline Leader award.
Other shortlisted staff were:
- The team at Affinity Supporting People for the Care Employer award and the Care Team award.
- Birch Green Care Home: Angela Hart for the Good Nurse award, Alison Peate for the Ancillary Worker award, Emma Ashworth for the Care Home Worker award, and Gill Seddon for the Activities Coordinator award.
- Riversway Nursing Home: Julie Fowler for the Dignity Care award and Sabrina Prewett for the Care Newcomer award.
Ken Nolan added: “As we know, good care requires a great team effort; this is only achieved thanks to the dedication and commitment of all the outstanding people I am privileged to call colleagues and friends.
“Springhill Care Group has always worked hard to support its staff and to help their development, and I’m delighted for all our staff who were shortlisted or left with an award.”
