Published on 18th November 2016
Carla Dixon-Peart, Manager of Ashton Manor Nursing Home in Wrecclesham, Farnham, was nominated for Manager of the Year, Care Home, at the Surrey Care Awards 2016 and the Ashton Manor Team for the Care Team of the Year Award. Not only were the staff keen to nominate Carla, but it was the Residents and their next of kin who suggested that she be put forward. Both of these nominations made it through to the finals – a testament to the quality of the staff at Ashton Manor, as the standard of nominations was particularly high. The whole team were grateful to those relatives and residents who supported the nominations.
The finals took place at a glittering ceremony at Epsom Downs Race Course on Friday 18th November. Beritaz Care was hugely proud that Carla was awarded the prestigious Manager of the Year Award. On winning the award she said “I was thrilled to win the Award. It recognises the achievement and dedication of all my wonderful team at Ashton Manor – I couldn’t have done it without them!” As she says, Ashton Manor is special, the home isn’t just for the residents, but it’s also a home from home for the staff and the relatives.
The judges commented on her nomination: “Excellence in care delivery is paramount for Carla. Her warmth and empathy and her open door policy have contributed to the increase in visits by relatives, many of whom comment that the atmosphere feels like a family home”. They noted that her outstanding interpersonal skills and sunny personality pervaded the home. She proactively seeks the views of residents, staff and health care professionals to help improve the quality of care. Her focus is to encourage staff throughout the home to develop their own careers. As one relative commented, “Carla has given me peace of mind. She has made a big difference to my father’s anxiety and his quality of life. She’s one in a million”. Susan Gurung, Assistant Manager said, “I feel fortunate to have this chance to work with Carla and have her as my mentor. She is supporting, encouraging and provides me with the opportunities and tools to progress further”.
Mr Gnanakumar, the owner of Beritaz Care, commented, “We are delighted that Carla won the Manager of the Year Award and that our Care Team made it through to the Finals of the SCA Awards. Ashton Manor is a very special place. Carla is passionate about delivering the best of care as well as empowering and supporting her team to develop their careers. The whole Ashton Manor team is committed to providing a high level of care and support that they would want for their own relatives.”