To say that the last 7 months for the those working in social care has not been challenging, at times heart-breaking, and often history making would be a lie. So, when staff at the Dementia, Nursing and Residential homes received a plethora of nominations last month from the Great British Care Awards Regional Finals and the Pride of Essex Awards, their spirts were lifted and energised by the exciting news.
At Romford Care Home in Harold Hill, they were astonished to discover that they were award finalists in both the London and South East Great British Care Awards. Dementia Unit Team Leader Robb and Andrena (Care Assistant) are finalists in the Dignity in Care Award; and Jade, the home’s Head Housekeeper, and Head Chef Pauline have been shortlisted as finalists in the Ancillary Worker and Care Home Chef Awards respectively.
Proud nominee Pauline spoke of her nomination, “I have a true passion for cooking and I love using my creativity to adapt traditional dishes. To be shortlisted for two awards just for doing what I love best is truly humbling.”
Registered Home Manager Arnold spoke of his pride for his team’s nominations, “We and everyone at Romford Care Home are immensely proud of the team and what they have achieved. Our team pride themselves on delivering the best care they can, and going above and beyond their normal everyday duties to make sure our residents are safe, happy and truly feel at home here.”
A short distance away, Brentwood Care Centre in Pilgrims Hatch were also celebrating as four of their team were informed that they too were finalists at the South East Great British Care Awards including one Dementia Carer Award (Stephen, Senior Care Assistant).
Sommer, Client Relations Manager, spoke of her excitement at being nominated for her role, “To be nominated for doing a job I love leaves me speechless, which is not like me! I feel very privileged to be able to support families and prospective residents, I feel very lucky that we get to be a part of their journey.”
Administrator Karen and Receptionist Jennifer have been jointly nominated in the new Social Care Covid Hero Award for their dedication during the current pandemic, “It was a lovely surprise to be nominated for the Covid award. It has been a difficult time for everyone involved, but being there as a support for the families and enabling them precious time with their loved ones has been heart-warming, and for me I feel I have just been doing my job.” This sentiment was mirrored by Jennifer, “It was just lovely to receive the nomination and really helps you to carry on knowing you are helping in some small way; I think I’m still in shock to be honest!”
Just as the Residential Dementia and Nursing homes thought that they couldn’t top that, news came in to confirm that all three of the Essex homes had made the Top 10 for the Pride of Essex Awards.
Liza, Activity Co-ordinator from Queens Court Care Home in Buckhurst Hill, was nominated twice and is in the Top 10 for the Unsung Hero Award, “I am over the moon and I’ve had a smile from ear to ear that has been stuck on my face ever since. It’s so lovely to have been nominated, let alone to be in the Top Ten. Even if I don’t win, it’s just so nice to think that all these lovely people took the time out of their busy schedules in these stressful times to sit down and write something nice about me.”
Brentwood Care Centre is shortlisted in the Top 10 for the Top Team award and Romford Care Home has been shortlisted in the Top 10 of the Hope Award.
RCH Care Homes were also delighted to have been shortlisted in the Care Innovation Award for both the South East and London Great British Care Awards for the new and innovative initiatives they introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Overall, RCH are thrilled to have a total 15 finalists across both sets of prestigious awards, especially as this is the first time the homes have put themselves forward for any of these awards.
Regional Director Mark McDonald summed up the pride felt by all for the overwhelming nominations, “I am honoured and humble to be a member of the RCH Care Homes family. Each member of the team comes together with dedication, passion and respect to strive for exemplary care in our homes. Each day I am proud to wake up as part of the team at RCH”
