Care and expertise brings award for Manor Lodge maintenance team

Home news

Dec 01, 2014

Dedication to high standards and outstanding skills has brought the maintenance team working at Care UK’s Manor Lodge care home in Chelmsford a national award.

Vernon Filby and Paul Chignell share maintenance cover at the care home in Chelmsford. They were nominated for the Maintenance Person of the Year award by home manager Juliana Miles. She said: “Vernon and Paul are the most cheerful, helpful, enthusiastic colleagues any team could possibly hope for and we are very proud of them.”

Juliana said that the pair, who cover for each other on days off to ensure a full-time service, also help out on reception at weekends. Vernon, who has a horticulture diploma, keeps the home’s gardens and courtyard in immaculate and colourful order, while Paul, who is also a trained first aider, drives the home’s minibus on outings and trips.

Juliana, who collected the award on behalf of Vernon and Paul, said: “Maintaining a 120-bed home is like painting the Forth Bridge and yet they carry out their duties with cheerfulness. We receive compliments on a daily basis, from both new and existing visitors, on how well Manor Lodge is maintained. The relatives and residents are extremely fond of both gentlemen and they constantly receive compliments for being very accommodating and having a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

The Maintenance Person of the Year award is given to individuals who have used their initiative and maintenance skills to make a real and practical difference to the daily lives of residents, in a variety of ways throughout the year. Vernon’s and Paul’s work has been praised by external auditors and inspectors because of their attention to detail and excellent record-keeping.

Judging the awards, which cover all of Care UK’s 114 residential homes, business development director Richard Pearman, said: “Their dedication to meeting the constant and changing demands and priorities of the residents, relatives and colleagues was exemplary.

“This was achieved in the context of maintaining one of Care UK’s largest care homes. The praise they have received from their customers was a key factor in our decision to name them category winners.”

After receiving the award, Vernon said: “I am very touched by all the compliments. It is an honour to receive this award.”

Paul said: “I was really pleased when I heard about the award and it is very nice to know that what we do is really appreciated.”