Rebecca Whitehead, Head of Care and Sean Moore, Resident Liaison Officer, at HC-One’s Summerhill care home in Kendal, Cumbria, a 71-bed residential, nursing and dementia care home, have been shortlisted for multiple awards at the Great British Care Awards 2022 for the North West region, the Leader of the Future Award Category at the Leaders in Care Awards 2022 and the National Dementia Care Awards 2022
The nominations for the awards are in recognition of Rebecca and Sean’s hard work and kind care shown to Residents, Relatives and Colleagues as well as the dedication and passion they show every day to ensure the people they support receive the best quality care.
Rebecca, who is nominated for the Leader of the Future Award Category at the Leaders in Care Awards, and The Social Care Covid Hero Award Category at the Great British Care Awards (North West), has been working at Summerhill since she was 18. She started as a Senior Carer, before progressing to Unit Manager and now Head of Care. Rebecca has led by example, particularly through the coronavirus pandemic, and has taken on extra responsibilities and supported all at the home through the toughest of times, all the traits of a truly special leader. She has proactively developed and mentored inexperienced team members to get the absolute best out of them.
Home Manager, Kathleen Dean, who nominated Rebecca for the award, said:
“I am over the moon that Rebecca has been shortlisted for this award. She excels in communicating effectively to everyone and has coped with rapid changes, offering exceptional support to the Residents, Relatives and Colleagues, all whilst having lower staffing levels. She managed the situation outstandingly and is a credit to Summerhill.”
Ann Blair who is a Colleague at the home said:
“Throughout the lockdown, Rebecca stepped up and did an excellent job. She kept us informed of all the daily changes and was easy to approach. During a time of extreme stress, she was calm and showed real character and myself and other staff were truly grateful.”
Sean, who is nominated for the Best Activity/ Lifestyle Lead Award Category at the National Dementia Care Awards 2022, has a sunny disposition, which carried everyone at the home through the lockdown periods. He took it upon himself to use social media to approach local companies and obtain donations for both the staff and Residents including flowers, plants and knitted hairbands, which has lifted everyone’s spirits at a really challenging time for everyone at the home. Sean makes an exceptional contribution to the wellbeing of our Residents, through working with technology, contacting people local to offer support and keeping a smile on everyone’s face. He is an amazing colleague who everyday amazes and inspires his Colleagues and Residents.
Kathleen Dean, who nominated Sean for the award, said:
“We are very proud and thrilled that Sean has received this nomination. Sean brings joy to all of the Residents at Summerhill with his enthusiastic and innovative approach towards overseeing all things wellbeing at the home.”
The National Dementia Care Awards consists of eight which cover a wide range of areas of the social care sector. The awards pay tribute to those who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their area of work. The 12th National Dementia Care Awards 2022 will be held within the grounds of the outstandingly beautiful Winchester Cathedral.
The Leaders in Care Awards 2022, launched by Care Home Professional, celebrates the achievements of Colleagues across the social care sector, and takes place on 11th October at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham.
The Great British Care Awards consist of 21 awards, which cover a wide range of areas of the social care sector. The awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of distinction across the care sector. The awards pay tribute to those who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their area of work. The award ceremony of the Great British Care Awards 2022, Regional Awards for the North West region takes place at The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Saturday 12th November 2022, when the winners will be announced. Successful winners at the North West regional awards will progress to the national finals of the Great British Care Awards 2023 taking place on Friday 17th March 2023 at the ICC in Birmingham.
Commenting on her nomination, Rebecca Whitehead said:
“I am delighted to be nominated for a Great British Care Award! And very much look forward to the event taking place in November.”
Commenting on his nomination, Sean Moore said:
“It’s a very nice surprise to be shortlisted just for doing my job. I just want to say I'm very privileged to make the final and although it's a long trip south I'm looking forward to it.”