On Saturday 19th November the Hilton Hotel, Newcastle provided a spectacular backdrop for the finals of this the second Great North East Care Awards, where the seventeen category winners were announced.

The Great North East Care Awards, who’s principal sponsor is h.e.t. software are supported by the Department of Health.  The awards are  part of the Great British Care Awards, a series of regional awards which celebrates excellence in social care and pay tribute to those who work in the sector throughout England.  The awards are all inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers; promoting joint working.

The Great North East Care Awards have received nominations and support from all corners of the sector. Sector support includes the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), the National Skills Academy for Social Care, Skills for Care, Ceretas and the English Community Care Association.  Local Authority support and commercial organisations are also supporting the awards.  Care Talk magazine is the media partner.

There were a total of seventeen award categories available for nomination, which represent all areas of the care sector,whether it be older people or specialist services and from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training, specialist care in areas such as dementia and innovation.

Nominations came in from all corners of the sector and the region and successful candidates invited for interview for infront of a panel of sector experts.  Thegala award evening started in style with a champagne reception, followed by a superb gourmet dinner and the awards presentation with Hardeep Singh entertainment from all girl group electric string quartet Asteria and dancing into the night.

Winners from the awards will be invited to attend the national finals for either the home care or care home sector which will take place in May and June 2012 at a prestigious venue in London.

The awards support a chosen charity, The Care Professionals Benevolent Fund is the registered charity for the Care Sector and are here to support current, former and retired care professionals, by providing assistance to relieve financial hardship or sickness.

Lisa Carr, Director of the Great British Care Awards said,

“We are delighted to be staging the Great North East Care Awards for the second time. The care awards are going from strength to strength with this year’s regional events.  The support from sector partners has been overwhelming and the quality and sheer nominations has been astounding.

These awards recognise and pay tribute to the efforts and dedication of all those who work tirelessly to ensure that so many people are able to live independent lives in their own home. They are the perfect showcase to reflect on best practice in the social care sector. A sector where people truly dedicate themselves to their work and take pride in their achievements.

The people of the North East are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated people caring for the vulnerable and elderly members of their communities. Congratulations to everyone this evening – everyone here is a winner!”

The winners of the Great North East Care Awards, together with the judges comments are detailed below:

 

The Care Employer Award More Than 250 employees

 

Karl Beckett

Wellburn Care Homes, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

We were particularly impressed by the easy and natural way in which Karl articulated how to make happiness, Community and Pride in excellence The Hallmarks of a care home.

 

The Care Employer Award Less Than 250 Employees

 

Gordon McClurg

Care Management Services, Newcastle

Gordon impressed the judges having taken his own personal experience and developed a range of services to support people living with neuromuscular conditions

 

The Care Home Worker Award

Lorraine Oliver

 

Gateshead Council, Tyne and Wear

Lorraine seems to be a very happy person who is able to connect with the people she supports she clearly practises putting them at the heart of everything she does.

 

The Home Care Worker Award

 

Susan Howarth

Care Management Services, Newcastle

Susan was 100% person centred, totally available all the time for her client/friend. It was apparent Susan would go that extra mile even challenging doctors to get the best for her clients.

 

The Care Newcomer Award

 

Laura King

Care Management Services, Newcastle

Laura demonstrated an unbelievable passion and knowledge for someone so new into care, who utilises these attributes in the most positive and effective way possible in front line care. Her management potential is limitless as she strives to be a ‘champion’ for the people who need it the most!

 

The Care Home Registered Manager Award

 

Tony Reineck

ESPA Ltd, Sunderland

Tony demonstrated sensitivity and determination to enable the service users he supports to make progress in their lives. He leads a team that puts service users at the centre, and everything radiates for there.

 

The Home Care Registered Manager Award

 

Zoe Newbury

Direct Health, Stockton -on-tees

Zoe showed the judges that she has a real understanding of the challenges home care faces at the moment. She demonstrated a broad range of skills and attributes – managing her staff and the service they deliver.

 

The Care Home Nutrition and Hydration Award

 

Peter Murray

Community Intergrated Care, Widnes

Peter demonstrated his commitment to balancing individual choice with dietary requirement and nutritional needs. His passion for involving individuals and families shone through despite the challenges of his work setting.

 

The Dignity in Care Award

 

Susan Graham

Anchor – Cranlea, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Susan came across as a passionate carer, who upholds dignity throughout her everyday practice. She is comfortable within her role and is able to guide other members of staff in promoting dignity.

 

The Care Team Award

 

Paul Smith, Sean Clarke & Carl Lee

Helpings Hands Community Care, Northumberland

Helping Hands are deserved winners of the team award they have a strong commitment to the young person they work for. They have a genuine care and affection shown in their dedication to helping a young man learn new skills, grow in confidence and turn his life around.

 

The Care Home Activity Organiser Award

 

Michelle Alderson

Anchor – Cranlea, Newcastle Upon Tyne

“The psychological importance of imaginative, age-appropriate activities (including poetry workshop and life story exhibition) is as important as personal care.” – Michelle alderson – The quote says it all!

 

The Home Care Co-ordinator

 

Elizabeth Stavers

Beechwood Gardens, Community Integrated Care, Newton Aycliffe

Elizabeth’s commitment to her role as home care co-ordinator shone through at interview. The judges were impressed with her plans to continue her professional development and to improve the quality of her service.

 

The Ancillary Worker Award

 

Alan Crawford

Hazel Grove Court Care Home, Cleveland

Alan really inspired the judges: he clearly loves his job and is an important and integral member of the staff team. He is 100% committed to his work understanding the importance of standards and safety, but also has helped introduce several innovative schemes that enhance the quality of the residential home.

 

The Putting People First Award

 

Cheviot Gardens Staff Team

Community Integrated Care

A strong team embodying the crucial importance of everyone working together, championing the wishes of their service user and opening up his world. They challenge misunderstanding of autism wherever they find it!

 

The Care Trainer Award

 

Mark Culley

Barchester, Darlington

Mark showed great passion and commitment for meeting staff training needs. He also took the time to involve residents and their families to ensure confidence in the quality of care provided.

 

 

The Frontline Leaders Award

 

Margaret Elwell

Housing 21, Buckinghamshire

Margaret’s undertaken some phenomenal leadership, using a methodical approach to improving teamwork that has benefited staff and the tenants they support within a 12 month period.

 

The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care

 

Constance Craven

Leazes Hall Care Homes, Newcastle Upon Tyne

At 78 years young Constance has, and remains, in inspiration to all her colleagues at Leazes Hall Care Home where she has worked as a registered nurse for the last 20 years.

She still walks the entire building to see the 50 resident to ensure they are well and the staff are maintaining a high standard of care.  She is a fabulous teacher and motivator.

She supports staff, families as well as residents especially during end of life care.

Constance can empathise with her life experiences and gives counselling where appropriate.

Constance well and truly deserves this award for being a kind and caring person and her loyalty for the years she has given to our sector.