The remarkable contribution local care homes across the Island have made to the health and social care system has been marked at the Healthwatch Isle of Wight Care Awards 2016.
Entries for the awards were received from family members of people that live in residential/nursing homes, colleagues of staff members, residents and members of the public. The 5 award categories saw awards for 5 winners and 5 highly commended individuals/teams.
Also awarded was the outstanding achievement award. This was presented to Maggie Bennet for her support for unpaid carers, her outstanding contribution to dementia awareness and for her passion for the provision of quality care.
Throughout the course of 2015 and 2016, Healthwatch Isle of Wight received feedback from a number of members of the public, expressing concerns around the quality of care provided within a significant number of residential and nursing homes across the island. As a result of this, coupled with the fact that the public chose ‘residential care and nursing homes’ as a topic they would like us to look at in more depth, we began work around looking at quality of care within residential care and nursing homes on the island.
The highly trained enter and view panel undertook visits to 13 homes and found some outstanding practice, which led us to host the first Healthwatch Isle of Wight Care Awards.
Joanna Smith, Healthwatch Manager said:
“We were really impressed with the high standard of entries this year for all categories. They are a true testament to the amazing work that takes place within many residential/nursing homes throughout the Island.
“The award winners are shining examples of good practice and others could learn a lot from their practices to ensure positive, sustainable changes to health and social care services”.
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The ‘Personalised Care’ Award
Winner: Inver House staff team
They have forged links with a local primary school to develop intergenerational work and are constantly looking at ways to develop and enhance quality of life for residents. They are outstanding in their approach to person centred care and they supported one of their residents to enter a competition on `Good Morning Britain` to design a knitted Christmas jumper. (She came runner up).
Highly commended: The Briars staff team
The Care Home Nutrition & Hydration Award
Joint award for Byrnhill Grove and Merrydale
They both demonstrated tremendous care and attention with regards to the food and drink they provide. They both worked hard to ensure that mealtimes are a pleasant, sociable experience for residents where people can relax, socialise and enjoy good quality food, even down to ensuring that cutlery is matching and of a good quality and napkins are attractively arranged to promote a pleasant mealtime experience.
Compassionate Manager Award
Winner: Kelly – Eden House
Kelly was nominated for the award because she cares about her service users and their families. She leads by example and goes the extra mile to support her staff residents and their families. She is compassionate, caring and a highly effective leader.
Highly commended: Merrydale
The Achievement Award for the Team member who always ‘goes the extra mile’
Winner: Linda – Magnolia House
Linda was nominated because she has a `can do` attitude. She is a team player and enhances the lives of everyone she comes into contact with. Her team would be lost without her. She has identified innovative ways to support residents and their family members and is a pleasure to know.
Highly commended: Cornelia Heights
The Innovation in Activities Award
Winner: Sarah – Autumn House
Sarah has shown an outstanding attitude and has established links with the local college so that some of the students can visit the home and support residents with activities. She is supporting the manager to reach out into the community to develop awareness of dementia and family members are encouraged to support with the provision of activities at the home.
Highly commended: Brynhill Grove care team
