Mildenhall Lodge celebrates national award

Home news

Jun 29, 2018

Residents and team members at Mildenhall Lodge are celebrating after winning a highly coveted national award.  

Mildenhall Lodge walked away from the Care Home Awards 2018 as the Best Single Care Home (in a group) for the whole of the country.  

The Care Home Awards are held annually to celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector. The 17 categories highlight excellence within the care sector, and reward those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care.

Mildenhall Lodge received praise for its recent ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the first Care UK home in Suffolk to receive this accolade. 

The judges recognised the great work carried out by the home team to empower residents to be involved in all aspects of running the home. From a ‘dot voting’ system for residents to make decisions about life at the home, to the ‘resident ambassador’, Jean Fincham, who listens to feedback from the other residents and communicates their thoughts to the care team.

Home manager, Katy Hughes – who was described by the CQC as an ‘outstanding leader’ – also received recognition at the awards for her positive leadership style and innovate projects, including the introduction of a care home pet – a rescue dog named Sinbad – and the many clubs and communal activities she has implemented to improve the residents’ wellbeing. 

When asked about the award win, Katy said: “It’s been an amazing year at Mildenhall Lodge, first our fantastic CQC results and now this – it’s completely overwhelming! 

“I am so proud of my wonderful team at Mildenhall Lodge and winning Best Single Care Home (in a group) is a huge testament to them for the making the home a lovely place for residents, families and team members alike. 

“We’re all delighted with the win and thrilled for the other Care UK homes who walked away with an award on the night also. I can’t wait to see what else 2018 has in store for Mildenhall Lodge!” 

Speaking after the award ceremony, Care UK’s residential care service managing director Andrew Knight said: “I cannot begin to describe just how proud I am of all the teams shortlisted in these awards.  The fact that we were shortlisted for 14 different awards and that five different homes actually took home trophies is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all our teams in providing the best possible lifestyle for the 7000 plus people that we support in our homes.  It’s fantastic to see this public recognition of that dedication and commitment.”