Tributes paid to two much-loved staff members at regional care awards for the South

Staff at Kingsley Healthcare’s care homes in the South were invited to regional care awards as part of the national care provider’s 25^th anniversary celebration.

The awards were staged at the Lord Bute hotel, in Highcliffe, with entertainment provided by talented youngsters from Christchurch-based BIGLITTLE Theatre Company.

At the start of the event, tributes were paid and a minute’s silence held for two much-loved members of staff - retired Operations Manager South Terry Bailey who recently passed away at Kingsley’s Highcliffe Nursing Home, a service he once managed, and Senior Support Worker Denise Cracknell who sadly lost her brave battle with cancer last year after serving Highcliffe Nursing Home for 13 years.

In his awards address Kingsley CEO and founder Daya Thayan said: “To all my colleagues who are here, this day means so much to us. We are a family business, and you are part of this family. The South has thrived under the stewardship of Tracey Millar, our Regional Operations Director.

“Every time we visit, we witness the outstanding work you do as a team, always with a smile. We can have the fanciest buildings, but they alone don't make a great care home – it is your dedication that truly matters. To those present today, chosen by your colleagues, I congratulate you. You are inspiring others, and I am confident that many more will achieve excellence awards in the future.

“Kingsley Healthcare was started by my wife Sumi and I in September 1999 with the goal of being a great family business that makes a difference in the lives of our residents, families, and staff. We are an integral part of the communities where we operate and take pride in being an employer of choice. For our homes to be centres of excellence, we need the best people – and that's exactly who you are.

“Over the past 25 years, it has been an immense pride to work and partner with so many of you. Today, we are in 36 locations, caring for over 1,500 residents with 2,500 colleagues. We will be commissioning five new services between now and October 2024.

“Our vision when we set up Kingsley Healthcare was not about how many care homes we operate, but the difference we make in people’s lives. We have been steadfastly committed to our family values of kindness, compassion, and empathy in all we do.”

Co-Chief Operating Officer Sumi Thayan said the awards were a celebration of “your unwavering dedication and hard work which defines Kingsley Healthcare”.

She added: “We are proud to showcase your achievements. I wish you all a fantastic time and offer congratulations to all the winners and participants.”

In her closing address, Regional Operations Director Tracey Millar paid tribute to Daya and Sumi for their multi-million pound investments in Highcliffe Nursing Home and Queen Charlotte Nursing Home, in Weymouth.

She said: “As a team, we will continue to elevate our homes and aim to achieve Outstanding CQC ratings. I believe we have the potential to achieve this if we continue to work hard and provide the best care for our residents.”

Rebecca Hebditch, manager at Branksome Heights, in Bournemouth, was announced as winner of the prestigious Care Home Manager of the Year award, described by nominating colleagues as “simply amazing” and the “the best care home manager I have ever met”.

Founders Special Awards for exceptional service were presented to Tracey Millar, Queen Charlotte Deputy Manager Moira Stevens and Highcliffe nurse Bibin Vathalloor who played an important role in caring for Mr Bailey.

Kingsley is also hosting regional awards in the East of England, North West and Midlands ahead of a grand Kingsley 25^th Anniversary Awards celebration in Suffolk in September.

List of other winners:

Registered Nurse of the Year - Kitabu Balajo - Highcliffe Nursing Home
Support Worker of the Year - Dince Joseph - Branksome Heights
Activities Coordinator of the Year - Claire Sheppard - Queen Charlotte
Care Home Business Support Champion - Emma Hendy - Highcliffe
Care Home Support Services Champion - Siri Bristow - Branksome Heights
Chef of the Year - Dhanush Bhima - Branksome Heights
Rising Star - Joanne Jarvis - Highcliffe