National champions named at the Great British Care Home Awards

The national winners of the Great British Care Home Awards were announced during a glittering ceremony at the weekend.

The spectacular event, hosted by the English Community Care Association, was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Saturday.

Winners of the nine regional Great Care British Care Home Awards were invited to attend the ceremony and compete once again to become national champions.

The glitzy event began with a champagne reception, followed by a gourmet dinner.

Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke then presented 15 awards to worthy winners who were chosen by a panel of expert judges, including carehome.co.uk’s director Davina Ludlow.

Dr Asif Raja picked up the Care Employer Award on behalf of SummerCare, which supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues and older people, in recognition of the strong working partnership between staff and service users.

The Care Home Worker Award went to Joyce Edwards from Anchor Trust, which provides residential care for older people. She received praise from the judges for being a “confident carer who will challenge anyone on her residents’ behalf”.

Jennifer Bliss, from New Century Care Leolyn, won the Care Newcomer Award in recognition of the genuine care she provides. She joined the team at Leolyn in July last year.

Peregrine House manager Alison Bedford took home the Care Home Registered Manager Award. The judges decided she was a “worthy winner” who is “passionate about care and continually strives for excellence”.

Chef Andrew Mussett’s thirst for knowledge and passion for improving food and diet saw him win the Care Home Nutrition and Hydration Award. Mr Mussett, who is a chef manager at Majesticare, was praised for making a difference to the residents.

Susan Bumstead, from Norse Care Ltd, won the Dignity in Care Award. She has worked at Sydney House in Norwich since she joined as a casual care assistant in 2002 and is now a senior carer. Judges praised her for focusing on what residents want and need by allowing them to make choices about their care.

The Dementia Carer Award was won by Beth Tovey from Cambrian Green Day Services, which opened in Yate in 2011 and helps people with dementia take back control of their lives. She is centre manager and “impressed” the judges with her passion for her work.

The team at Marlborough Court Care Home in London, part of Four Seasons Healthcare, won the Care Team Award in honour of their passion and dedication to providing the highest quality of care possible. The 75-strong team was praised by the judges for rebuilding the home’s strong reputation.

Residents' love of Timothy Lumgair earned him the Care Activity Organiser award. Mr Lumgair works with young adults who have learning disabilities at the Bevern Trust. He helps them develop new skills in fun ways and promotes independence and wellbeing.

Deborah Sorenson, from Elizabeth Finn Homes, won the Ancillary Worker Award. She has worked as a receptionist for 25 years and says working in a care home has been a “fantastic learning opportunity”.

Daniel and Natalie Wylie, of Aldanat Care Ltd, “hugely impressed” the judges with their passion and enthusiasm in delivering person centred outcomes and were honoured with the Putting People First Award as a result.

Maggie Woloszyn, of Shelbourne Senior Living, won the Care Trainer Award in celebration of her dedication and passion for her work. The judges praised her for being a “determined, passionate and enthusiastic learning and development manager”.

The Care Innovator Award went to Sharon Wood, from Meridian Healthcare, who is responsible for quality assurance throughout Meridian Healthcare. She impressed the judges with her commitment and dedication.

Leonnie Martin, from Springfield Healthcare Group, won the Frontline Leaders Award. She started her career in care as a carer 10 tens ago and worked her way up to general manager before taking on the role of manager at Springfield Care Home. Judges praised her for being an “unstoppable force”.

The final accolade – the Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award - went to Anne Cooke from the MCCH Society. The 79-year-old works is devoted to supporting disadvantaged people and works tirelessly to help them reach their full potential.

Lisa Carr, director of the Great British Care Awards, said: “This is just the fourth year we have held the national finals and we have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from our industry.

“The quality of the finalists from across the country and throughout the sector is extremely high and the judges have had the unenviable task of choosing an overall winner for each category – a true national champion.

“The awards offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the successes of individuals, teams and businesses throughout the UK – people who really do make a positive impact on people’s lives.

“During these testing economic times, social care has once again suffered the impact of associated adversity. These awards are a positive way of raising motivation within our social care workforce and indeed the profile of the sector as a whole.

“The evening has been truly exhilarating. Everyone here tonight is a winner.”

To read our profile on Dr Raja, visit www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1559627/profile-summercare-chief-finds-having-a-family-member-with-a-learning-disability-gives-him-insight-into-whether-things-are-being-done-right.