Member Article

Gateshead care home supports career ambitions of three colleagues

A former chef decided to change career direction entirely during lockdown to become a carer in a Tyneside nursing home.

Annette Perry works at Craigielea in Durham Road South, Low Fell, Gateshead, which is part of Solehawk Group, where she recently has been promoted to a senior carer. She had worked as a chef/catering manager for 22 years before making the change in career. Annette had been toying with the idea of moving into the care sector for ten years. She said: “Lockdown gave me the push I needed to try and move on from cooking. “I don’t regret becoming a carer as it is a very satisfying role. The thing I like most is helping people, who need the support from carers to live their day-to-day life, with as much dignity and to the highest standard possible. “I feel very positive about my new role as a senior carer and am growing in confidence every day.” Sarah Hoey is another member of staff who has been promoted within the home, which is rated ‘good’ by the regulator the Care Quality Commission. She started as a care assistant in 2003 and since then has risen through the ranks including becoming a senior care assistant. Sarah now is a nursing assistant having learned new skills, including undertaking Social Care Assistant Practitioner (SCAP) training. This means she now is qualified to take bloods, oversee catheter care, and undertake other clinical work. Sarah said: “This opportunity shows that care workers can develop and grow into future practitioners.” She added: “I am looking forward to being more hands on with practical and clinical aspects of the nursing service.” Sue Turnbull has also progressed to be a nursing assistant. She started at Craigielea in 2013 as a care assistant and within a year she was promoted to senior care assistant within the residential side o its services. She said: “I am looking forward to being more hands on with the practical and clinical parts of nursing and care. This opportunity shows care workers can develop and grow into future practitioners.” Steve Massey, Solehawk operations manager, said: “It is very important to Solehawk that we ensure all staff are provided with the opportunities and training to develop their skills and ambitions. “It is fantastic to see Annette, Sarah and Sue progress their careers within the company.” Craigielea, which has 60 beds, provides accommodation for people requiring nursing or personal care, specialising in dementia, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments.

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