Care homes' unsung heroes celebrated in COVID-19 Queen's birthday honours

A care home manager praised as an "heroic leader" is among a host of care home staff recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the 1,495 receiving honours, 14 per cent are health and social care workers who helped to support other staff during the crisis, saved lives with early preparations to prevent an outbreak and even moved into care homes to provide care during this unprecedented global health pandemic.

Among those being recognised is Sam Gallagher, home manager of Brandon Park in Brandon, Ipswich. Ms Gallagher has been described by her team as "a tower of strength" and "heroic leader" during the pandemic, when she worked night and day to support her elderly residents and her staff. Her hard work has ensured the home has seen no infections for five months.

'This award is not just for me, but an award that recognises my whole team'

Ms Gallagher said: “I am very grateful to be recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and delighted the work has been acknowledged. My team is phenomenal, and it is hard to describe the passion we have for our residents. This award is not just for me, but an award that recognises my whole team for the wonderful way they have coped during some challenging months.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “I am delighted that Sam Gallagher has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Her dedication to the staff and residents at Brandon Park Nursing Home is to be commended, especially during a very difficult time dealing with the pandemic. I am so pleased that her efforts have been recognised, this is a wonderful achievement.”

Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, added: “I am delighted Sam Gallagher has been honoured by the Queen for the work that she and her team have done to support the residents at Brandon Park Nursing Home. This honour is just recognition for the outstanding professionalism and commitment that Sam has shown during the COVID-19 crisis, and indeed, throughout her distinguished career.”

Four colleagues from Bupa Care Services have also been awarded the British Empire Medal

Adam Tallis, general manager at Bupa’s The Kensington Care Home, London was nominated by colleagues at the home and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. During the pandemic, Mr Tallis regularly worked seven days a week alongside his team at the home and even brought a camp bed in to stay onsite in case he could not get to and from the home.

Mr Tallis said: “It still doesn’t feel real. I’m so proud for my whole team. Everyone has pulled together during this pandemic, and it’s a reflection of all our hard work.

“I joined the care sector a couple of years ago after working in hospitality. The pandemic has been challenging, but this role gives it a whole new perspective. Everything you do is for the residents – it’s more than work, it’s family.”

Emma-Karin ‘EK’ Gerdin-Miosga, arts facilitator at Bupa Wingham Court Care Home, Kent has also been recognised in the honours list.

Throughout the pandemic, Ms Gerdin-Miosga used art to ensure residents stayed engaged and were able to express themselves, something important for those who struggle to communicate verbally, her work helped lift residents’ moods, while also reducing anxiety.

After plans for the home’s art exhibition were postponed, Ms Gerdin-Miosga set up an independent website to showcase residents’ work, whilst also helping convert pieces into professionally printed greeting cards to help keep in touch with friends and families.

Ms Gerdin-Miosga said: “It’s such a lovely surprise. I’m very fortunate to do something I love, using art to make a difference to people’s lives.

“I’m pleased that this highlights the importance of art in care homes. Art makes such a difference to people’s wellbeing, especially in times of uncertainty as it can make them feel reassured and give them a voice.

“I couldn’t do it without such an amazing team, I really am so grateful to them.”

During the pandemic, Arie Darbandi, resident experience manager at Bupa Arbrook House Care Home in Surrey stepped up to undertake a huge variety of roles including driving colleagues to and from work and setting up areas within the home for those who needed or wanted to sleep at the home between shifts, thereby minimising the risk of infection using public transport.

Ms Darbandi also helped residents take up winemaking, encouraging them to grow and press their own grapes to make their first ‘Arbrook House vintage’.

Ms Darbandi: “There’s no such thing as a normal day in care, and 2020 has proved that. But at the same time, it’s proven what a strong team we are.

“I absolutely love my job and making residents smile every day, so have never really thought anything more of it. To be named in the Queen’s Honours List is very surreal. I’m immensely proud – people in the care sector work so hard, and I’m glad it’s being recognised.”

'This award has come as a complete shock'

Ben Domah, general manager, at Bupa Hill House Care Home, Borehamwood was also recognised in the honours list, following high praise from colleagues, relatives of residents and Hertfordshire County Council.

During the pandemic, Mr Domah encouraged his team to prioritise and facilitate regular video calls from families, to create a support network for residents, and providing much-needed reassurance for their loved ones.

Mr Domah said: “This award has come as a complete shock. Now it’s sinking in, I’m incredibly proud.

“I want to say a massive thank you to my team for the hard work and dedication they have shown over the last few months – this award is a recognition of all of us and everything we’ve achieved together.”

Nurse from Northlea care home awarded British Empire Medal

Lynne Grieves, a nurse from Northlea Court Care Home, Cramlington, Northumberland was also recognised for her services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Grieves stayed at the home for a total of 12 weeks and she even celebrated her birthday there. She has only recently gone back to live with her mum, to take over her mother’s care.

Ms Grieves said: “Everybody sacrificed so much but it was worth it.”

Brunelcare's director of Nursing and Care Homes awarded MBE

Brunelcare’s director of Nursing and Care Homes, Sandra Payne, has been recognised with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Ms Payne said: “I am absolutely amazed and incredibly proud to have been awarded this honour. Nursing has always been my passion and working at Brunelcare in social care has given me so many great opportunities to make a real difference.”

Brunelcare’s chief executive, Oona Goldsworthy, said: “We are bursting with pride for Sandra. She is an incredible professional, combining a ‘can-do’ attitude with genuine kindness and empathy. She is extremely modest and would never expect to be recognised in this way. A true unsung hero and an inspiration to us all.”

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