Shropshire carers celebrated for nearly five decades of work
Two Shropshire carers who have racked up a combined service of nearly five decades have been commended by their employer in line with National Carers Week.
Vicki Fletcher and Patricia Hodnett, of Morris Care Nursing Home, have a combined service of 46 years ensuring people in their care are looked after.
Vicki, who works at the care centre homes in Wellington, and Patricia, from Radbrook were thanked by the company's new chief executive Lucy Holl.
Together, along with more than 300 other Morris Care staff who work across the company's six homes in Shropshire and Cheshire, the duo have been celebrated in line with National Carers Week, and received a signed thank you card and new water bottles to keep hydrated among other gifts.
Chief executive Lucy Holl said: "Vicki and Patricia epitomise what great carers can do for the lives of those they support – theses ladies are the pinnacle of their profession. They have made the all-important difference to so many residents through their kindness, compassion and positivity.”
Surprising Vicki on Monday was Claire Smith, home manager for the Morris Care Centre homes in Wellington who presented Vicki with flowers and chocolates as a small mark of the respect and gratitude she has earned from residents, their families and all her colleagues alike.
Inspiration
Lucy Holl also surprised Patricia at Radbrook with her gift and thanks and said: “All the wonderful Morris carers have been a lynchpin in delivering support and care to residents, especially over the past few months in our national time of need. However, I recognise and especially want to thank Patricia for her 24 years of commitment. What a superhero.”
Claire Smith said: “Vicki is one of those members of staff you simply could not do without. She knows what it is like to work on the care frontline and brings a wealth of experience to our team helping deliver a range of specialist care services. Today, she works in our specialist dementia unit, Ercall Court. As a Carer she is a clear thinker with real social skills and a professional attitude and as a person she is kind and intuitive.
“We celebrate her long service with real pride not only amongst the Care Centre team here but across everyone in Morris Care. She is an inspiration.”
Vicki was thrilled to receive the accolade and said: “This is by far the most challenging role I have undertaken as I not only have to think for our residents who are living with dementia, but I have to be their voice too. What matters most is that they feel safe. Over time I’ve got know their personal stories and have become a familiar face.
"They have learnt to trust me, which means I can focus on their individual and personal needs. There is no better reward than that – although it was nice to be recognised with this lovely gift.”
