Member Article

Shining star awarded for excellent care

A local Hessle care worker has been awarded for her outstanding dedication to care, following praise from residents’ family members.

Nancy Faal, who is a carer at The Hollies, on Ferriby Road in Hessle, has been awarded the Shining Star Award, beating hundreds of others to be nominated and awarded.

Nancy was presented the award by The Hica Group, a not for profit organisation which runs 19 homes - including The Hollies - across Hull and East Riding, at its annual companywide Shine Ball.

The nomination for the award came from a number of relatives and colleagues after Nancy’s continued dedication to all residents at The Hollies, especially those who need end of life and extra care.

Nora Ragg, the wife of resident Donald Ragg, said: “Nancy deserved the award as she is a fantastic carer who truly wants only the best for the residents.

“She is always cheery and polite, and provides not only care but friendship, which is a very important factor to older people, especially those who don’t have many visitors.

“Nancy always goes the extra mile for everyone, including the families and visitors at The Hollies to make them feel at home with their loved ones.

“I am so pleased she received the recognition she deserves, she is a fantastic person and a real asset to the home and to all of us who either live there or visit. She makes the hard times a lot easier which is something people will never forget.”

Nancy was also especially thanked following the end of life care for a resident at the home named Barbara.

Barbara’s family struggled to visit both her and her husband, as they both lived separately and had specific health needs. As Barbara’s health deteriorated, Nancy stepped in and volunteered to spend extra time with her, and was personally thanked by the family with a letter and hand painted watercolour card after Barbara passed away.

Nancy, who is 51 and lives in Hessle with one of her five grown up children and her fiancé, moved to the area from America in 2003. She said: “It was lovely to receive the award. I wasn’t expecting it. I go to work because I love my job and helping people, which is what I try and do every day. I treat the residents like they are my own family.”

Judges from The Hica Group Shine Forum selected the winners of the annual awards before announcing them at the annual Hica Group Shine Ball. The company throws the prestigious event every year, and both residents and staff are invited to attend. The event is used to acknowledge the dedication of the staff.

Hica Group chief executive, Penni Brown, said: “Nancy is a fantastic example of our Shine philosophy here at the Hica Group. She goes the extra mile, does her job fantastically and makes everyone feel special and cared for, whether it be a resident or family member. I am truly proud to have Nancy on the Hica team and she really deserved her award.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .