The finalists of the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2022 have been announced.
The awards are being staged by Newsquest – publishers of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich and Redditch Advertisers and The Shuttle in conjunction with the University of Worcester.
Judging is now complete and the three finalists of the Dementia Care category can be revealed.
The awards will culminate in a celebrity-backed virtual ceremony streamed on the Worcester News Facebook page on Thursday, October 13 at 7pm when the winner of each category will be announced.
Donna White, Perry Manor
Unit manager Donna White has worked in various specialist settings for the past 30 years and according to our nominator, “her passion, dedication, and commitment to this resident group shines through and inspires all that work alongside her”.
Donna currently manages the complex needs dementia suites. She is described as being an essential part of the management team at Perry Manor and has been integral in the development of a brand-new specialist neurological service.
“Donna’s key role is to be an advocate for those living with dementia,” the nominator said. “She continually strives to ensure that care interventions are in the resident’s best interests and carried out in the least restrictive way.
“Donna’s vision for the new neurological service has created a suite where family and friends can rediscover meaningful relationships with those living with dementia.”
Megan Salter, Handle With Care
Megan Salter was nominated by a reader whose father has been suffering with vascular dementia for more than 12 months.
“Meg goes above and beyond with her care for him,” they said. “She cares for my dad like he was her own father.
“She has such a caring nature about her. My dad (I am sure) is aware of what is happening and is so frightened but she makes him feel totally at ease. The other Saturday, dad became very unwell and required hospitalisation. She never left either mine or my dad’s side.
“The following day, she came with me to pick him up and dad had such a big beam on his face to see Meg. She is the rainbow in dad’s cloud.
“Dad turned 90 in the summer and we had a little tea party at home and Meg was invited. It was her day off and she came to help celebrate his birthday. She is such a wonderful caring person. I wish there were more Megs in this world.”
Kay Ring, Blossom House
“Kay has an unbelievable bond and approach when it comes to Dementia care,” said her nominator. “She is approachable, kind, caring and has a calming nature.
“Most if not all of our residents living with Dementia feel an emotional connection to her, they will seek her out for reassurance.
“She has a great person-centered approach, she observes what works and what may not for the individual. She is also very informative, knows each resident in depth, their life history, and what a good day and good support looks like to them.”
Kay has been promoted to Dementia Lead at Blossom House so her skills and knowledge can be shared with others.
“Kay always takes the time to really get to know our residents, and their families,” a spokesperson for the care home said.
“Kay is truly outstanding and is a massive credit to our home, and we’d be lost without her.”
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