Chinesewoman who couldn’t speak English is nominated for top care award
WHEN she first arrived in the UK from China seven years ago carer Hui Peng could speak hardly any English, but now her communication skills have put her in line for a top award.
A care assistant at the Eryl Fryn Care Home in Craigside, Llandudno, she has been nominated for Promoting Fulfilled Lives in the Wales Care Awards.
She qualified as a nurse in China. She said: “When I arrived, ‘thank you’ was about all I could say in English and I not only had to learn everyday English but also medical terms, which was difficult.”
Two years ago she and her husband moved to Llandudno and she quickly made an impression with colleagues, residents and their families at Eryl Fryn.
One elderly resident said: “If ever I am feeling sad Hui will spend some time talking with me and my sadness goes away.”
The home’s administrator Muireann Parry said nothing was too much trouble for Hui, who often gives up her own time to help the residents.
“She treats them with dignity, respect and in a way she herself would like to be treated. Nothing is ever too much trouble,” she said.
Former miner Les Jones, a support worker and team leader for the care agency Cartref Ni, currently supports two men with learning difficulties in Colwyn Bay.
He has been shortlisted for the Social Care Health and Safety Award.
Jane Brown, chief executive of Cartref Ni, said: “Les is a great motivator of service users and staff. He has encouraged the team to take pride in their achievements and working environment. He is versatile, highly skilled and respected widely.”
With 23 care homes and hospitals to monitor for health and safety, Kevin Shields from Llysfaen has been shortlisted in the Social Care Health and Safety category. He is audit and compliance manager for Mental Health Care (UK) and was nominated by managing director Lee Reed, who said: “During the past two years Kevin has almost single-handedly established a comprehensive risk register, a detailed business contingency plan, overseen the coordination of preparation and response to the pandemic flu threat, and maintained responsibility for day to day health and safety matters.”
