Scottish carers win top awards
Top carers, nurses and support staff from care provider Meallmore were recognised for their outstanding dedication at the recent Meallmore Colleague Awards
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Top carers, nurses and support staff from leading care provider Meallmore have been recognised for their outstanding dedication at the Meallmore Colleague Awards. The event, now in its 12th year returned to the Dunblane Hydro for the official ceremony with 200 people in attendance from Meallmore’s 26 care homes across Scotland. Presented by singer and TV personality, Michelle McManus, the awards celebrated Meallmore employees who have made a positive impact on improving the lives of colleagues, residents and their family members over the past twelve months.
Cillian Hennessey, Managing Director of Meallmore, says: “At Meallmore, we’re extremely proud of all our colleagues and their hard work and commitment. We regularly see individuals going the extra mile in providing the highest standards of care for our residents and so this awards ceremony is a perfect opportunity to acknowledge them.
“I would personally like to say a huge thank you to every one of our colleagues at Meallmore, as they each make a real difference to the lives of our residents across Scotland. All finalists show exceptional dedication to our company, and the winners are thoroughly well-deserved. A big thanks also goes to Michelle McManus who, once again, has supported us at the awards and shone a light on the care we offer throughout the country.”
With 14 awards categories in total, including ‘Emerging Talent’, ‘Excellence in Support Services’ and ‘Manager of the Year’, over a thousand submissions were put forward - more than those received for 2022’s awards. There was also a new category introduced for 2023 – ‘Brand Ambassador of the Year’.
A ‘Special Recognition Award’ was given to three individuals: Steve Gordon, Merralee (Mel) Walker and Andrew Rodden for their response in preparing one of Meallmore’s care homes, Daviot Care Home near Inverness, for evacuation when wildfires threatened the home during the summer. Following the event, they received a letter of commendation from the emergency services due to their approach and preparedness. Nominations weren’t put forward for this award, with the recipients being selected for their resilience and integrity in the face of an extraordinary situation.
Nominations for all other categories were received from residents and their families, visiting professionals and other colleagues. The company employs around 1,700 people - all of whom were eligible for a nomination.
Category winners were presented with a certificate, trophy and choice of prize, which included an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Nintendo Switch, Ooni Pizza Oven, Ninja Dual Air Fryer or Fitbit Sense.
The winners of the ‘Special Recognition Award’ each received a £250 Amazon voucher and a certificate.
Runners up received a certificate and trophy.
The award winners include:
- Emerging Talent - Courteney Forrester, Alderwood
- Excellence In Support Services - Agnes Fullerton, Kynnaird
- Positive Impact - Natalie Wilkie, Antonine House
- Manager of the Year - Suzanne Pitt, Hilton Court
- Senior Carer/Practitioner - Fiona Sutherland, Redwoods
- Head Office and Field Based Support Team - Isabel Szeliga
- Meaningful Activities - Jade Innes, Bayview
- Elderly Home Service - Kynnaird House
- Nurse of the Year - Kamil Zietek, Mearns House
- Carer of the Year - Jade McPherson, The Oaks
- Mental Health Home - Hilton Court
- Brand Ambassador (New For 2023) - Mel Walker and Andrew Rodden, Daviot House
- Meals Mean More (Competition) - Dan McGonigle, Kincaid House
- Special Recognition Award - Steve Gordon, Caulfield House; Mel Walker and Andrew Rodden, Daviot House