18 November 2015

Hallmark Care Home team members win Gold ‘Nurse of the Year’ and ‘Excellence in Catering in Care’ award

Hallmark team members from Greenhill Manor, our care home in Merthyr and Cartref Annwyn Fan, our care home in Ammanford, have been named ‘Nurse of the Year’ and ‘Excellence in Catering in Care’ at the prestigious Wales Care Awards.

Aine Loughran from Greenhill Manor and Lisa Anderson from Cartref Annwyn Fan impressed judges with their nursing care and culinary ability at the Wales Care Award’s annual award ceremony.

The awards, first established in 2003 by Care Forum Wales, seek to reward the champions in the sector and raise public awareness of the vital contribution made by the social care workforce.

‘Nurse of the Year’ winner Aine Loughran said: “It was truly amazing to have won and a bit of a shock but I managed to stay standing!”

‘Excellence in Catering in Care’ winner and Second Chef Lisa Anderson said: “I am over the moon to have won and am very overwhelmed, I was up against some really good chefs so I didn’t think I would win.”

A panel of judges interviewed Aine and Lisa last month along with two other entrants from each category before coming to their decision.

Entrants were judged on their passion for making a difference, their practices in promoting dignity, respect and independence and their skills and knowledge relevant to the category.

For the ‘Excellence in Catering in Care’ category finalists also had to prepare a dish from one of their current menus for the judges.

Lisa said: “I cooked two main dishes and two desserts for the judges. We also put on some relaxing music in order to create a real fine dining experience.

“Afterwards the judges spoke to the residents about their experiences of the food at the home and tested me on my knowledge of the Level 3 Food Hygiene rating. It was very nerve-racking!”

Lisa Anderson’s win follows in the footsteps of her mother and Head Chef Jayne Lee who was awarded the gold ‘Excellence in Catering in Care’ title at last year’s awards.

Commenting on Lisa’s win Cartref Annwyl Fan’s General Manager, Adele Williams said: “Lisa has worked at the home for over five years and has developed into an excellent cook.

“She makes exceptional meals for the residents and everyone enjoys her food. Her meals are tasty, well presented and nutritious. She has an excellent understanding of our residents varied needs and ensures all of our residents are catered for.”

Noteworthy employees; Aneurin Brown, Madel Kuhn and Daniel Cole were also recognised at this year’s finals for their outstanding care.

Aneurin Brown from Greenhill Manor was awarded Bronze for the ‘Exceptional Newcomer of the Year’ category.  Meanwhile, Madel Kuhn from Regency House, and Daniel Cole from Shire Hall were awarded Bronze for ‘Nurse of the Year’ and Silver for the ‘Excellence in Catering in Care’ categories.

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