Devon carers have been honoured for years of dedicated service to the Southern Healthcare group.
The care home group, which has award-winning care homes in Exeter, Plymouth, Seaton, and Dawlish invited team members to an event celebrating long service milestones from five to more than 20 years.
Southern Healthcare also honoured four nurses at the award ceremony held at the company’s training centre in Dawlish.
The nurses – Phillip Adams, Francis Agyei, Philip Yeboah, and Cosmin Lupoi – completed an Advanced Diploma in Adult Social Care Nursing co-written and launched by Southern Healthcare’s director of nursing and compliance, Margot Whittaker, in partnership with the University of Greater Manchester.
Geoffrey Cox, managing director of Southern Healthcare and his wife and business partner Margot, expressed their gratitude to the team, commending their passion and dedication.
He continued: “Our incredible team members excel in providing outstanding care for our residents, as well as supporting each other – something that has been repeatedly recognised by external auditors. Southern Healthcare has built a strong reputation for the incredible work our teams do, and we deeply value them.”
Among those Devon carers being recognised were Nicky Martin, Nicu Daineanu, Susan Yildirim (all ten years) of The Old Rectory in Exeter; Andreea Vieru (ten years), Alison Adair and Penny Truswell (both 15 years) from Sefton Hall in Dawlish; and Kelly Boweren who has worked at The Seaton for 25 years (21 of those years with Southern Healthcare).
Kelly recalled: “It’s been a privilege to spend such a significant part of my career in a place that I have made lifelong friends and that not only values its people, but truly recognises the dedication and loyalty of long-serving staff.”
She continued: “Being part of a team that celebrates commitment and continuity makes the milestone even more meaningful, and it’s been rewarding to contribute to an organisation where that value is genuinely felt and appreciated, The Seaton, its team and residents are the reason I have been committed for so long.”
Andreea added: “Receiving a 10-year long service award is very special to me. It reminds me how much I have grown both professionally and personally at Sefton Hall. Over the years, I have become more confident, resilient and self-aware and I have developed stronger communication and leadership skills. I truly enjoy working here because of the supportive team, the meaningful relationships with our residents and the difference we make every day.”
Also in attendance was Glennis Cleave who started at Sefton Hall over 43 years ago and continued her career with Southern Healthcare when they bought the home in 21 years ago.
Devon carers and team members who reach a long service milestone receive a letter thanking them for their service, they are awarded additional annual leave, presented with a certificate, and a gift voucher.