Issue 157 23.08.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Group founder thanks staff at celebrations THE founder of Parklands Care Homes has paid tribute to his staff and the local community for its support over the past 30 years. Managing director Ron Taylor kicked off the 30th anniversary celebrations at a community event in the grounds of Parklands in Buckie, the company’s first care home. Hundreds attended the free event which was billed as an opportunity to thank staff, past and present, residents, their families and local businesses and individuals who have supported the care group over the years. Ron founded Parklands in 1993, having been a carer for his grandfather, an experience he said had been life-changing. “Three decades ago I embarked on a journey inspired by the love and care I provided to my own grandfather,” he added. “Being his primary carer was a life-changing experience that touched me profoundly. “It was during those precious moments that the seeds of Parklands were sown – a vision of a group that would deliver the highest standard of personcentred care to others, just as I had given to my grandfather. “When I set out on this path I never imagined that we would reach the scale we have – nine care homes, two more under our management, 700 employees, 400 older people in
our care.” Ron paid tribute to staff across the Parklands group. He said: “I am humbled by the dedication of our staff and the love they pour into their work. Their compassion, empathy and selfless dedication have made Parklands what it is today.” He also thanked the local community for its support, particularly during the pandemic, and said it was a privilege to care for older people: “Their smiles, their stories and the joy they bring into our lives are what drive us to do better each day,” he said. “For the past 30 years we have strived to make every life we touch that little bit brighter. That has always been our guiding inspiration. I feel so humbled by what we have achieved, together. To mark the anniversary occasion, Ron buried a time capsule in the grounds of Parklands, alongside his mother Ishbel Taylor, wife Elaine and Denise Risk, the care home manager. The capsule included a signed lyric sheet from Speyside care home’s Heart Strings Choir, a poem from the team at Glenisla in Keith, a picture of the residents and staff at Parklands and Burnbank, a Buckie Thistle scarf, a miniature bottle of local whisky and several local newspapers.
Homecare provider Walfinch Bolton and Bury has received a ‘good’ rating following its first inspection by the Care Quality Commission. The inspection involved extensive engagement with the care staff, service users, their relatives, registered manager, Caroline Flood and managing director Monique Gadd. The assessment focused on evaluating the safety, effectiveness, level of care, responsiveness and leadership of the service provided. Walfinch Bolton and Bury received ‘good’ ratings in all five key areas. Monique said: “We are incredibly proud to have received our first ‘good’ rating following the inspection. This positive outcome is the result of the team’s unwavering dedication to providing a highquality service. “Achieving ‘good’ ratings across all assessed areas in our first official inspection is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional care.”
Nominations deadline extended EXCITEMENT is building for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s Caring UK Awards the best one yet. The deadline for entries has been extended due to high demand and will now close on Monday, September 18. The awards evening will celebrate excellence throughout the industry, with trophies in 20 categories up for grabs at the glittering ceremony taking place on the night of December 7. Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, this celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the Athena in Leicester – where host Emma Jesson will reveal the
winners. Awards include Regional Care Home of the Year, Care Employee of the Year and Activities Team of the Year. Other categories include Best Innovation in Care, Best Outdoor Environment and Care Employer of the Year. Previous winners have reported an increase in profile and positive media coverage. Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we have received so far from homes up and down the country. “If you’ve not entered your care business yet then I would urge you to do so sooner rather than later.” To enter visit www.caringuk awards. co.uk/nominations
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