Poole care home wins national award

A care home in Poole is celebrating after scooping a national accolade in the Care Home Awards 2023. 

Care UK’s The Potteries, on York Road, won the ‘Best Continuing COVID-19 Response’, a category which recognised the teams’ efforts to maintain a safe and happy home despite the pressures of the pandemic.  

The Care Home Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation and delivery.  

The team at The Potteries were recognised for their innovative and creative thinking during the pandemic. The home built a pub during lockdown and the residents voted to call it The Lockdown Arms. It gave residents a focus and a reason to get ready in the evening.

The pub now hosts regular quiz nights, gentleman clubs and birthday parties for residents.  

Zita Turner, the Home Manager, was also praised for her support during the outbreak and ensured team members felt valued and cared for. Initiatives, such as a ‘Wellbeing Board’ and 1:1 support sessions with the home’s Clinical Lead, remain in place for team members.

Zita said: “We didn’t struggle for people to work throughout the pandemic because we looked after them. We’ve kept a lot of the team initiatives we introduced then and these continue to be appreciated by the whole team.”

During the pandemic the team were also recognised for setting aside an area of six rooms as temporary accommodation for residents who were coming in from outside the home, as well as ensuring that all team members changed their uniforms in the home at the beginning and end of their shifts. They also created rotas, so the same team members worked in the same areas of the home day and night.

A relative said: “My mum became a resident at The Potteries during the Covid-19 lockdown. We received regular newsletters, emails and Facebook updates clearly explaining what the current situation was and how the home was taking precautions to ensure all residents were safe. They also kept us updated on how residents were being entertained, and video calls and social visits within the rules were then put in place which was a great comfort. This level of communication continues today and is welcome.” 

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “We are thrilled to have won the ‘Best Continuing COVID-19 Response’ category at this year’s Care Home Awards for our approach to the pandemic.  

"Winning is a true testimonial to the team's dedication and creative problem-solving to ensure that each resident lives a happy and fulfilling life. I'm delighted that the team's efforts, passion and creativity, including the creation of the Lockdown Arms, have been recognised. 

“I am really proud of all of our team members at The Potteries and this award will have pride of place at the home. Well done everyone!” 

To find out more information about The Potteries, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Caroline Hearne, on 01202 069 835 or email caroline.hearne@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/the-potteries