Welcome -
Welcome to the Winter edition of the Hendra Herald, the
homes newsletter.
Shropshire Care Awards - As most of you are aware Hendra
House won the main award at the Shropshire Care Awards,
when we were voted 2009 Shropshire Care Business of the
Year. To be voted the best in the whole of Shropshire is a
fantastic achievement and recognises both the efforts and
achievements of staff both past and present.
Central England Care Awards
- It came as a big surprise to have learnt that we had
been nominated for the Best Small / Medium Care Home In
Central England, especially as we did not know that the
award existed.
The award, recognise the best care providers in
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands,
East Midlands, Warwickshire and Shropshire.
Each of the nominees is then judged by an independent
panel in order to determine the best in the whole of
Central England.
The competition was very tough and I am delighted to
report that Hendra House has been voted the Best Small /
Medium Care Home in Central England.
Mel and I attended the presentation ceremony, which took
place at the NEC Birmingham as part of the National Care
Exhibition.
Hendra House At Westminster
- As a result of our success in London in July I was
invited to the launch of the National Skills Academy in
Westminster. The speakers at the event included Government
Ministers as well as Liz McSheeny the newly appointed
Chief Executive of NSA.
During her address Liz thanked the residents and staff at
Hendra for allowing them to take pictures of the home,
which were used at the launch.
When we broke for lunch I was surprised to find that the
majority of the large advertising boards contained
photographs of Hendra residents and staff.
I must admit to being very proud to see the home used as
an example of a quality care home, especially in front of
such a distinguished audience.
Further recognition for the home can be gained from the
fact that Liz McSheeney will be visiting the home in
December to meet both staff and residents.
Gold Standard Framework
- Work is progressing on our GSF portfolio as we gather
evidence for our assessment, which we hope will take place
in 2010.
All residents will have received a letter from Mel
outlining the aims of Advance Care Planning (ACP) as well
as an invitation to discuss and record the wishes of our
residents and their families.
A number have already been completed, and the feedback has
been very positive.
ACP is personal to each resident, and as well as we think
we know our residents we have been amazed about the
“little things” which we didn’t know but are important to
our residents especially in the later stages of their
lives.
Staff Development - As
ever staff development is a key part of our business
strategy thereby ensuring that all staff have the
necessary skills to consistently deliver the highest
quality of service possible to our residents. Since the
August newsletter staff have completed training in Moving
and Handling and Medication training.
Congratulations to Tracy Bufton and Lin Martin who have
both successfully completed their NVQ 3 Award.
Margaret Griffiths -
It is with great regret that I announce the death of
Margaret Griffiths our former cook.
Margaret was a cook at Hendra House for almost 24 years
until her retirement in October 2008.
It was fitting, and in keeping with the families wishes
that Margaret should pass Hendra House for one final time
on the way to her funeral service, thereby allowing both
staff and residents the opportunity to pay their final
respects to a much loved former member of staff.
As a lasting memorial to Margaret we have purchased a
bench, which will be suitably inscribed and located in the
garden area for use by residents and visitors.
Staff - Gemma Ingram
will be rejoining us shortly after completing her
maternity leave, whilst Sam Angell and Sue Morris will be
commencing their maternity leave in the near future.
Angie Runnicles has left after four years at the home to
take up the post of phlebotomist at Portcullis Surgery, we
all wish her well for the future.
At the same time it gives me great pleasure to welcome
Sally Hughes, (a former nurse) to “Team Hendra” as a
Senior Care Assistant.
We also welcome Sue Smith to the team, Sue has just moved
to the area and has been working in the care sector for
many years.
And finally we welcome Simmone Robson –Ward to the home.
Simmone is beginning a career change, and has joined us as
a Care Assistant.
Residents - I am sure
that all of you join me in offering our sincere
condolences to the family of Gladys Gittens who passed
away recently.
Can I also thank Glady’s family for donating money in lieu
of flowers to the Residents Comfort Fund.
However, on a happier note it gives me great pleasure to
welcome Joan Mager to the home.
We hope she will have a long and happy residency at the
home.
Summer Fete - Can I thank everyone who helped or
contributed to this years Summer Fete, which again was a
great success and raised £1516.24 and exceeded last years
total.
Residents Activities - In addition to the daily planned
activities we have a number of special events planned in
the lead up to the Christmas period, these include:
- Festival of Remembrance Service – 9th November. AM
- Remembrance Concert – 9th November PM
- Visit from Ludlow Brownies – 17th November
- Trip To WM Safari Park – 2nd December
- Silver Band Concert – 13th December
- Carol Concert – 14th December -
Ludlow Rotary Club Tree Of
Light - I am pleased to announce that the home
will be supporting this worthwhile charity fundraising
event again this year.
I have a supply of application form’s should anyone wish
to support this wonderful fund raising event by
remembering someone special this Christmas.
A book listing the names of dedicatees will be published
and the information will also be recorded on the Rotary
Club Tree of Light website.
This year all proceeds will be donated Riding For The
Disabled, the County Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer
Support and the Mayors Charity.
As you are no doubt aware the home enjoys a fantastic
relationship with Ludlow Rotary Club who support our
residents in so many ways, I hope that as many residents,
relatives and members of staff will support the Tree of
Light event, as a way of repaying the help and support we
have received from Ludlow Rotary Club in the past.
Next Residents / Relatives
Meeting - A reminder to all relatives that our
next meeting will be held at the home on Tuesday 8th
December at 7.30.
Well I think that brings you all up to date on recent and
future developments.
Best wishes
Vince |
