Caroline Brierley, Unit Manager at Adlington Manor Care Home in Macclesfield, Cheshire was recently crowned the national winner in the Memory Champion of the Year category at the 2018 Barchester Care Awards on 11th October.
The awards celebrate staff and volunteers who go the extra mile for the benefit of residents and patients living in Barchester care homes and independent mental health hospitals. Categories range from 'Registered Nurse of the Year' and 'Carer of the Year' to 'Maintenance Champion' and 'Team of the Year'.
More than 1,500 nominations were received from colleagues in Barchester homes and hospitals across the UK, and all entries were of a very high standard. After being shortlisted as one of four divisional winners, Caroline was interviewed by a panel of judges for the final round. She then joined the other divisional winners from across the UK at a special awards ceremony in October, where she was awarded the national prize, and was presented with the trophy and a £500 gift voucher by Barchester's CEO Pete Calveley.
Caroline Baker, Director of Dementia at Barchester and a judge for the category, said of Caroline that "[she has] demonstrated a real empathic approach to both residents and relatives, and talked of how the Namaste approach had made such a significant difference in the home. Caroline has received high praise from external professionals regarding her knowledge of the residents in her care but also about her calm, professional approach, particularly when she literally dealt with 3 different medical emergencies within the space of half an hour!"
Caroline said of her win that, "I am very proud, and very honoured to be receiving this award. We work hard here at Barchester with a focus on the people we care for, and not for accolades, but it really is very special to be recognised in this way."
Adlington Manor Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK's largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Adlington Manor Care Home provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 72 residents from respite care to long term stays.