‘The glue that held us all together’ – Hythe care home hero crowned

Home news

Sep 17, 2020

A care home in Hythe has praised a team member for her dedication, hard work and passion throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

Leighann Wickers, business administrator at Care UK’s Carpathia Grange, on Southampton Road, has been named a ‘Care UK Hero’ for going above and beyond for colleagues and residents in recent months. 

The nomination was shared as part of a nationwide search for Care UK Heroes throughout its 122 care homes. From outstanding colleagues, to residents who have ensured morale remains high, the competition aims to shine a light on these exceptional people.

A true team player, Leighann returned to the home most evenings to support the night team, meeting them again during the early hours of the morning too, ensuring every single one of her colleagues felt supported throughout lockdown. She also stepped up to support the management team by assisting in the daily running of the home. 

Leighann said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen as a Care UK hero. I know just how difficult the past few months have been for everyone, so it was important for me to raise morale and support my colleagues in any way I could. The whole team at Carpathia Grange has worked really hard to create a positive environment, and I’m so grateful for their support.”

Pooja Dhoot, home manager at Carpathia Grange, added: “Leighann is an invaluable member of our team, and her hard work is appreciated by everyone here at Carpathia Grange – as demonstrated by the overwhelming number of nominations she received from her colleagues.

“Leighann’s priority is first and foremost the wellbeing of residents and colleagues – she doesn’t shy away from a challenge, taking on more responsibilities to support the management team, and I know how valuable her support has been to the night team.

“From our nurses and lifestyle coordinators, to our housekeepers and chefs, everyone has done a tremendous job over the past few months, and I cannot thank Leighann and the rest of the team enough for their hard work and for continuing to make Carpathia Grange a wonderful place to live.” 

The new three-storey care home, which will provide residential, dementia and nursing care, features 62 ensuite bedrooms, and has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities and will include its own cinema, hair salon and café. 

For more information, please email customer relations manager, Nikki Toomer, at nicola.toomer@careuk.com, or call 0238 098 8733.

For more information about Carpathia Grange, please visit careuk.com/carpathia-grange