Care workers’ efforts earn awards success
WORKERS from Swansea have walked away from the Wales Care Awards with a clutch of prizes, in recognition of their hard work.
The annual event is held to recognise the dedication of staff working within the Welsh care sector, and this year winners included estates manager for Care Inn Ltd, Len Newman, from Mayhill, and hospitality services manager at Cwrt Enfys care home in Ystradgynlais, Sandra Jenkins.
Len, a grandfather of 14, is responsible for health and safety as well as property development and maintenance for the entire Care Inn Ltd group.
Based in the company’s Swansea office, he was presented with the silver award in the social care health and safety category, after showing so much commitment to his job.
He was back at work within just a couple of months after suffering a stroke earlier this year.
The stroke left him with paralysis in his left arm and left leg, but after just two weeks treatment in hospital and five weeks recovering at home, he made an unexpected return to work.
The 56-year-old said: “I suppose I just got fed up with it all and wanted to get back to doing something useful.
“But I joke now that if I had known the effects of a stroke would take so long to get over I wouldn’t have had one in the first place.
“I’ve still got some problems but I’ve got rid of the stick I was using and told my wife I wouldn’t use the one she got me with a little seat at the top of it.”
He added: “I love my job and try to do it to the best of my ability.
“I suppose I like doing it so much because it’s so varied and is never the same from one day to the next.”
Sandra Jenkins, meanwhile, won the bronze award in the commitment to quality in housekeeping and hospitality category.
The 49-year-old has been working at Cwrt Enfys since May 2012, managing the housekeeping, laundry, kitchen and maintenance teams.
Cwrt Enfys activity worker Catrin Thomas said: “Sandra will go to great lengths to ensure that the best is done for our residents, no matter what it takes.
“She does not see our residents as just people who live at our care home, they are her friends and extended family.”
Chairman of Care Forum Wales Mario Kreft said: “I trust they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.
“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.”
