Best ancillary worker in the North East care industry is…

HANDYMAN Chris Sogorkski has been named the best ancillary worker in the North East care industry.

The Oaks Care Home maintenance man picked up the award at The Great North East Care Awards 2018 gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel, in Gateshead.

The accolade recognises Chris’s person-centred service, excellence and pride in his work and the dignity and respect he shows residents and staff at the home, in Blyth, Northumberland.

He said: “I can’t believe it. I love working at The Oaks. The residents are lovely and the staff are wonderful.  

“I can’t thank home manager Ann Mielnik enough for nominating me. It’s a great honour to have been given this award.”

After winning the regional Ancillary Worker award, Chris is now shortlisted for the national award, with a ceremony taking place on 8th March 2019, in Birmingham.

The Oaks Care Home staff were also shortlisted for four other awards at The Great North East Care Awards 2018.

The home’s housekeeper Lesley Russell and domestic assistants Maureen Ord, Colleen McDougal, Diane Nesbitt and Christine Roddum were up for The Care Team Award.

Speaking on behalf of her team, Lesley said: “We all think it’s great. It’s good to be recognised after 24 years of service to the home.”

Activities coordinator Paige Gallagher was shortlisted for the Activities Coordinator Award. She said: “It’s great to feel what you are doing is good and to be recognised for it.”

Cook Yvonne Gibson was shortlisted for the Chef/Cook Award. She said: “I am very honoured and proud to have been nominated.”

And former deputy manager Julia Rose was shortlisted for The Good Nurse Award.

The Oaks Care Home manager Ann Mielnik and Hill Care Group regional manager Jane Mack attended the awards ceremony with the nominees.

Ann said: “I cannot put into words how proud I am of such a wonderful proactive team of people. 

“They truly deserve this recognition as they have worked so hard. They are all winners in my eyes.”

The Oaks Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.