If you’ve noticed a new face around Springhill, that’s because we’ve welcomed Curtis Bennett as our new general manager.

Originally from Preston, Curtis began his career aged 16 when he trained as a cadet nurse, qualifying aged 21. He has had many years’ experience in the industry, having managed care homes for over 35 years, as well as owning his own.   

A registered mental health nurse (RMN), he also holds the registered care home manager qualification (RMA).

At Springhill, Curtis will be responsible for the day-to-day running of our home, using his extensive knowledge and experience to ensure we maintain our reputation for delivering the highest quality in care and specialist services.

Curtis said: “I was attracted to the role at Springhill because of its reputation and its core values which put people first. I’m looking forward to getting to know our residents and their friends and families, while working with the team to make sure we maintain Springhill’s position as one of the best homes in the North West. If you see me around, be sure to say hello.”

Welcome to Springhill Curtis.

Keep your fingers crossed for a sun-soaked August, because on Saturday 29 we’re holding a family fun day, jam-packed with fun activities and events.

We’ll be throwing open our doors to welcome friends, families and members of the local community into our home for fun and frolics.

There’ll be a bouncy castle, a face painting station, a raffle and lucky dip, a guess the baby photo competition, throw a sponge at the manager, hook-a-duck, a cocktail bar, burger van and much more.

Curtis Bennett, general manager of Springhill Care Home, said: “Springhill is at the heart of the community, so it’s nice to welcome people into our home to have some fun. It’s also a good chance to show what Springhill is all about.”

We hope to see you all there on the day.

Family, friends, local school children and members of the public were welcomed into Springhill Care Home recently as we came together to celebrate Care Home Open Day.

We were just one of thousands of homes up and down the country to take part by holding an open day.

Music filled the air as children from the Springhill Community Primary School choir paid us a visit and sang some lovely songs, while a tasty barbecue sizzled outside, and yummy cakes and treats were on offer too.

Despite the weather not being quite on our side, we made the most of the chance to engage with our local community, while showing what Springhill Care Home is all about.

View more pictures in our facebook album HERE

Earlier this year we shared the good news that eight Springhill Care Home staff had embarked upon a course which will result in them qualifying as assistant practitioners.

We’re now pleased to say that following a 12 week tutorial in anatomy and physiology, some members of the course have completed an examination in this field which they have successfully passed – with some even achieving top marks to be awarded a distinction.

The role of assistant practitioner is exciting and innovative, designed to offer suitably experienced staff in the care industry the opportunity to develop clinical and management skills and to provide support to nursing and medical teams. 

Working within their own set of professional boundaries, the assistant practitioner will be able to undertake assessments of residents’ needs, offer advice, take specimens for testing and arrange clinical investigations. Alongside their nurse colleagues, an assistant practitioner will be able to meet the needs of those at risk of developing chronic disease, supporting people with advanced conditions including end of life care, while administering medication across a range of medical conditions.

The assistant practitioner is a positive, pro-active response to the current nursing shortage across the country, which is likely to last for many years.  While the programme is new to all healthcare staff, whether within the NHS or private and voluntary sectors, emphasis is placed on ensuring all candidates are appropriately experienced, with the basic knowledge and confidence to undertake the programme.

Springhill Care has developed an individual development plan for each staff member and their career progression is carefully monitored, as each person is encouraged to follow a personal learning pathway. As a result, we have successfully achieved a workforce where expectations are met by prestigious, high quality learning and promotion within the company, which results in excellent standards of care and support for those who choose Springhill as their home.

The support offered to the team is paramount to both the success of the programme and the development of individuals.  Springhill Care Home is honoured to play a part in the solution of the national nursing shortage by being amongst the first to offer the course, as part of our ongoing commitment to excellent care services. We’re even receiving enquiries from several health authorities and groups seeking our advice and assistance in running the programme – our innovation and enthusiasm is spreading.