It goes without saying that the Coronavirus pandemic has proved to be a real challenge for the care sector. At The Park Residential Care Home in Hornsea we identified the extra help that would be needed and advertised these additional roles in the local press.
The appeal was seen by resident Mike Whitfield who subsequently joined the team at the beginning of the crisis. Mike had previously worked in the hospitality industry accumulating a host of transferable skills, including customer service and team working, communication and first aid.
Mike already knew our residents as he had provided customer service to them in his previous role. In fact on one occasion last November, Mike helped save a life when he performed CPR after a resident collapsed with heart failure. Without hesitating he assisted the staff member tending to the resident and remained as support until the ambulance arrived.
Since joining the team Mike has already completed the Care Certificate with impressive results and has shown great potential. He has undertaken all his training promptly and to a high standard.
Despite starting in a global pandemic, Mike has fully supported all the residents during this difficult period with his person-centred approach. This has included organising a successful chair aerobics session with residents which had exceptional participation. He has a passion for throwing himself into everything he does and a determination to make life fun for the residents, who all have severe and enduring mental health conditions. He has also successfully encouraged those residents who do not always engage to join in with activities.
Mike’s person centred approach fits in well with the philosophy of The Park. Our recent CQC rating of Outstanding noted: “Staff were extremely well skilled and provided truly person-centred care which achieved outcomes for people that far exceeded expectations.”
The summary of the report from May this year was very focussed on the caring and professional relationship the staff had with the residents and the associated benefits.
The report concluded: “People, staff and professionals working with the service were overwhelmingly positive about the leadership of service, which centred around the experience of people. Staff were extremely well skilled and provided truly person-centred care which achieved outcomes for people that far exceeded expectations.”
Commenting on the staff the report said: “People told us they felt safe with staff. They were protected from avoidable harm and received their medicines on time and as prescribed. Staff were kind and cared for people as individuals.” Complements were also paid about the programme of events our staff provide including barbeques, live music, hosting a petting farm and ties with the local community.
The report and outstanding CQC rating demonstrate the importance of investing in the right staff and spotting transferable skills. Mike professionally combines being a great entertainer with being able to provide personal care with dignity and respect.
Our staff are important assets to the home and to our residents and as such we recognise staff members through an internal reward scheme. Mike has already been awarded the ‘Internal Team Player’ award.
We also want to recognise our staff beyond the home and have nominated Mike in the ‘Care Newcomer Award’ category at The Great British Care Awards for the Yorkshire and Humberside region this year. Good luck Mike!
Yvonne Hird, Care Home Manager, Hatzfeld Care Ltd
