Two Kendal healthcare workers have been shortlisted for awards for their outstanding work at a town residential home.
Rebecca Whitehead, head of care and Sean Moore, resident liaison officer at Summerhill care home have been shortlisted for awards at the Great British Care Awards for the North West, the Leaders in Care Awards and the National Dementia Care Awards.
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 is now head of care.
HC-One, which owns Summerhill, said 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. She had proactively developed and mentored inexperienced team members, it added.
Home manager Kathleen Dean nominated Rebecca for the award. She 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.”
Rebecca said: “I am delighted to be nominated for a Great British Care Award! I’m very much looking forward to the event taking place in November.”
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 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.”
Sean 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.”
