Care homes shortlisted for three esteemed national awards

St Mary’s Court and The New Deanery residential care homes in Braintree have been shortlisted for not one, not two, but three accolades at the National Care Awards.

Home Manager at The New Deanery Jane Sadowski, who is in the running to win in the ‘Care Home Manager’ category, said: “I’m delighted to have reached the final stages of such a prestigious competition. My fantastic team and our wonderful residents mean I really do love my role –  so this is the icing on the cake!”

Also recognised is Head of Activities Jo Whitehouse, who has been shortlisted for the ‘Care Activities Co-ordinator’ award. Commenting on the announcement she said:

“I’m thrilled! My team and I strive, everyday, to ensure our residents lead active lives and participate in the activities of their own personal choice. I love organising unique events, like our recent medieval themed fayre, and seeing happy smiles from our residents.”

The care team at The New Deanery are also into the final five and waiting in anticipation to see if they will go on to win in the ‘Care Team’ category. Deputy Manager of The New Deanery, Rachel Marlow, who represents the care team along with her colleague Charlotte Read, said:

“All of the staff and residents here are like one big family – we really care for each other and go the extra mile to ensure residents are happy and have enriched lives. I’m extremely proud of the team to have got this far and I am excited to see what happens.”

The two homes, which are run by Sonnet Care Homes, hope to exceed last year’s success where they won two awards in the Care Leadership and Care Housekeeper categories.

Chief Executive Julia Clinton added: “This is fantastic news and testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff – we are very proud of them all.”

The National Care Awards are the longest established Annual Awards in the sector, and are organised by social care’s leading publication, Caring Times. The Awards were devised to celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector, highlighting excellence and rewarding those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care.

Jessica Harman, Events Manager on behalf of the National Care Awards Events Team, said: “This year we received a record number of entries in our 19th year of running the National Care Awards. The calibre of entries was of such a high standard that selecting the final five in each category was a tough job.

“To be shortlisted into the final five, for our face-to-face judging day on 29 September, is a high accolade in the industry and is to be celebrated by all our finalists.”

Winners of the National Care Awards will be presented with their trophies by David Baddiel at a Gala dinner on 24 November at the Hilton London Metropole.

Both The New Deanery and St Mary’s Court have been rated by the Care Quality Commission as ‘outstanding’ for leadership and ‘good’ in all other aspects covering care, safety, effectiveness and responsiveness.

To enquire about accommodation and respite care at The New Deanery or St Mary’s Court, please call 01376 328600 for St Mary’s Court or 01376 558555 for The New Deanery.