WELCOME TO OUR MARCH 24 STAFF NEWSLETTER
March should see the beginnings of spring and with it a sense of renewal and optimism, therefore I am pleased to be able to share plenty of positive news in this month’s newsletter.
Generally, we are operating at a high level. All four homes are full of residents, and we even have waiting lists for all of them. This obviously keeps everyone busy, but it is great to see everyone working well to support each other and keep the quality of service high. As I walk around the homes I get a very strong sense of teamwork in each home which really helps to make the homes a lovely place for our residents to live.
Our recruitment is coming along very well too, we have had lots of applications in February with lots of interviews and people interested in working for Bristol Care Homes, which is great news. Thank you to everyone who has made recommendations for our available jobs which have helped us to find more people like you, who believe in providing the best level of care to our wonderful residents as we do.
As always, we welcome any feedback or suggestions, so please feel free to reach out.
Rich Crocker, Bristol Care Homes CEO
SAVE THE DATE - 2024 Christmas Party
We are really pleased to confirm that we have already booked our end-of-year party. This year our famous annual party will be held on Wednesday, 4th of December at the Paintworks Bristol. This is a party which we hold every year to celebrate the year and to give us a real opportunity to say a huge thank you from us to you for all the fantastic effort you all put into your work.
There is nothing you need to do for now other than add this date to your calendar to make sure you can attend an evening full of great fun. Remember that all food and drinks will be included, so all you need to bring is your fabulous self.
To give you an idea of how much fun we’ve had over the last 2 years, click here to see the photos we have taken.
Employee Spotlight
The Quarry House activities team organised in February a wonderful fundraising coffee and cake morning that raised £155.00 for the charity “Sense”. And we would like to say a big thank you to our Quarry House second chef, Dan, who prepared the beautiful cakes for the event.
Dan has been part of our Quarry House family since the home opened its doors for the first time 8 years ago. We are deeply grateful for your long dedication and hard work, Dan, which contributes to our care home’s success.
Thank you once again for your ongoing commitment to our residents and our home.
24hr GP Access Challenges Solved
Besides some great experiences you had with the 24-hour GP Helpline, we have also received feedback that some staff members have had challenges accessing the service.
We have looked into the problem and now you should have no problems getting 24/7 GP access. You do not need to provide any insurance policy number and if the voice message on the telephone numbers instructs you to have it ready, please ignore this and wait for an agent to take your call and book your GP call.
If you do encounter any type of challenge, please send a message on PlanDay to Alexandra Grozea and we will look into it. Just as a reminder, the 24/7 GP Access is a benefit part of our Rewards Scheme.
Care Awards 2024 - Deadline Mach 29th
We would like to remind you that you only have until March 29th to nominate someone you work with for the 2024 Care Awards.
All you need to do is click here and follow the required steps to nominate your colleague. If you cannot decide on a single person, you can also nominate Bristol Care Homes as a whole organisation following the instruction on the same link.
If you have any questions or if you need help, please do not to hesitate to contact Alexandra Grozea at alexandra.grozea@bristolcarehomes.co.uk or on 07926 134 035.
New Referral Scheme Opportunities
This month we are looking for people who are passionate about caring for others to join our Glebe House family as Day Carer or Assistant Chef.
If you could recommend anyone for any of these positions, please message Sarah Walker, our Resources Manager, on PlanDay. If they join us and successfully pass the probation period, you will be gaining £100 through our Referral Scheme.
Your Training Opportunities
Offering many and various training opportunities is part of our mission to support you in your career development, as well as providing the best level of care to our residents. Training also helps you and us as an organisation to comply with regulations and maintain a positive company reputation in the community.
Your training benefits yourself, our residents, your colleagues, and the organisation as a whole and that’s why we are always here to listen to your training needs and find a solution to meet them.
If you want access to a certain training or maybe have a suggestion for a type of training to support you in your work or our residents’ care, please contact your home manager to discuss what opportunities are available to you.
Review Of The Month - Beech House
Latest News From Our Homes
Only 14 days into February and we’ve already had several successful day trips with our residents.
From feeding the fish at the Bristol Aquarium to a trundle around the Titanic Museum, the activities team has done a sensational job at facilitating some exciting excursions.
With a sudden shortage of staff, the team had to think on their feet and were able to support some fantastic in-house entertainment. On Wednesday we were informed that Elvis was in the building, and make no mistake, he turned up! A karaoke session allowed for a good old sing song with a trip down memory lane allowing some of our residents to dance and play their instruments.
Before the week was over, we turned out the lights to create a cinema experience and all had a good cry watching Little Women. Entertainment at Glebe House for February… a resounding success.
February had a focus on supporting educational placements. Students from local colleges have attended Quarry House for work experience and supported the residents and activities team.
A 4-week placement was facilitated for a TNA who works at Southmead Hospital on a surgical ward to enhance her skills and knowledge within a nursing home setting and an 8-week nursing placement for a student undertaking her Mental Health Adult Nurse training for year one placement via the University West of England. Quarry House was supported. This was Chelsea’s first experience to care. Chelsea and the residents benefitted from her willingness to engage and her person-centred approach.
Chelsea enjoyed the placement and didn’t want to say goodbye therefore she has joined the bank and will continue to be part of our bank carers team. This will enable us to see her develop through her training and who knows a potential future nurse for Bristol Care Homes.
A charity coffee morning was a huge success raising £155.00 for the charity “Sence”. The home manager’s son-in-law is also running the London marathon on the 21st of April to raise additional funds for the charity Sence which is a non-profit charity that supports people living with complex disabilities.
Residents celebrated Shrove Tuesday with pancakes and there was a selection of sweet treats for staff and residents to share as Valentine’s was in the air.
We are all looking forward to the lighter mornings and evenings now that spring is approaching. We are looking forward to the warmer days and getting out into the garden and onto the balconies in time to plant bulbs and watch the bulbs we planted last year come into bloom.
Field House had a great month filled with plenty of fun activities for our residents and staff.
Our family located in Horfield has been crafting Chinese New Year decorations out of paint, glitter, paper plates, and string. Barbara commented that plaiting the string reminded her of her youth.
The saxophonist Alan Peacock delighted everyone with an exquisite performance. He played a range of songs from Gleb Miller, Cole Porter, Aka Bilk, and Vera Lynn.
On Valentine’s Day, everyone created some amazing cards for their loved ones.
Our team decorated the lounge beautifully so that our lovely Carole could celebrate her birthday with her daughter. Carole was very grateful and her daughter was overcome with emotion.
Smiles have resonated throughout Beech House, with plenty of activities. We have newly decorated communal areas that all residents, families, and staff are enjoying. Residents have enjoyed trips out to the SS Great Britain and Dobbie’s Garden Centre.
Our very own DJ Gerald hosted his Valentine DJ Set which was a big hit within the home where residents were treated to prosecco, nibbles, and chocolate hearts.
At the request of our residents, a shopping trip was organized to Highfields Garden Centre to choose plants for the conservatory to enable the residents to observe them growing.
We also enjoyed a visit to the home of Amy, a Spike Island Artist, where residents got to try monoprinting which was a new experience for many.
A few who have visited Beech House will have met Poppy, our volunteer, who brings her wonderful service dog, Luna; they are very much part of the Beech family bringing joy to many
Music has been a very big part of our home, with visiting entertainers, and friends and family hosting singalongs. Music is said to elevate mood, relieve stress, and stimulate memories, and very much enjoyed by all.
We have had new team members join our team, Jenny, our new Clinical Lead, has been welcomed and is bringing her skills and knowledge to the home. Georgia has joined us as a new bank carer and we are looking forward to her working with us, and we welcome Hannah who has joined our Domestic team. Andreea who many of our residents and families have known has joined the Beech Nursing Team having previously worked with us on an agency basis. Welcome Andreea.
The home has seen lots of development and learning for all staff and all are enjoying new challenges and progression within their roles.
A busy time throughout the home all met with enthusiasm, enjoyment, and warmth.
Enjoy One Last Discount Before We Say Goodbye
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