Kingsley Healthcare hosts care awards in the South

Staff at Kingsley Healthcare’s care homes in the South were invited to the regional care awards, staged at the Lord Bute hotel in Highcliffe.

At the start of the event, tributes were paid and a minute’s silence held for two much-loved members of staff - retired operations manager Terry Bailey and senior support worker Denise Cracknell.

Terry recently passed away at Kingsley’s Highcliffe Nursing Home, a service he once managed, Denise sadly lost her battle with cancer last year after serving Highcliffe Nursing Home for 13 years.

In his awards address Kingsley CEO and founder Daya Thayan said: “To all my colleagues who are here, this day means so much to us.

“We are a family business, and you are part of this family.

"To those present today, chosen by your colleagues, I congratulate you. You are inspiring others, and I am confident that many more will achieve excellence awards in the future.”

Daya started Kingsley Healthcare with wife Sumi in September 1999 with the goal of being a ‘great family business that makes a difference in the lives of our residents, families, and staff’.

Sumi said the awards were a celebration of ‘unwavering dedication and hard work’ by staff.

She added: “We are proud to showcase your achievements. I wish you all a fantastic time and offer congratulations to all the winners and participants.”

In her closing address, regional operations director Tracey Millar paid tribute to Daya and Sumi for their multi-million pound investments in Highcliffe Nursing Home and Queen Charlotte Nursing Home in Weymouth.

Rebecca Hebditch, manager at Branksome Heights in Bournemouth, was announced as winner of the prestigious Care Home Manager of the Year award.

She was described by nominating colleagues as 'simply amazing' and the 'the best care home manager I have ever met'.

Founders Special Awards for exceptional service were presented to Tracey Millar, Queen Charlotte deputy manager Moira Stevens and Highcliffe nurse Bibin Vathalloor.