Staff members continued to join the ranks of the Westward Care employee of the month club in July, with staff casting votes to name seven of their colleagues the month’s star employees.

At Pennington Court, there were two employees of the month in July, both of them cited for their professionalism during what might have been a potential incident at the location. In the words of one voter, Krzysztof Cwikla was “helping at Pennington Court” when a serious incident seemed to be developing in the building — stymied when Krys, “despite the risk to himself”, helped to prevent any harm from coming to residents or the location. Another colleague who voted for Krys wrote that he “took responsibility to ensure that the residents and staff remained safe”.

Clinical Support Manager Alison Grice was also voted a Pennington Court employee of the month for her response to the situation. One colleague wrote that Alison “took decisive action and demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism. She managed the situation calmly and effectively, helping to prevent what could have been a...more serious outcome. Her presence, judgement, and ability to take control were invaluable.”

This is the second employee of the month certificate received this year by Alison, who previously took it home in March for her work at the Westward Care head office. In July, it was Group Ancillary Services Manager Ismail Uyumaz who was voted the head office employee of the month, making it his second employee of the month citation this year, after he also received the most votes in January. Colleagues in July wrote that Ismail “never fails to go out of his way with to assist colleagues” and “constantly demonstrates the Westward Care values”.

Support worker Lillie Smith was named Hunslet Moor House’s exemplary employee in July, with multiple colleagues voting to praise her for her work. A “hardworking and dependable support worker who consistently provides kind, compassionate and person-centred care”, Lillie was also said to be always “reliable, willing to help both residents and colleagues”, and approaching “every task with a positive attitude”.

At The Cedars, Mellisa Betteridge was the deserved recipient of the location’s employee of the month certificate in July. Called “amazing and always hands on” by one colleague, Mellisa was said by another Cedars staff member who voted for her to demonstrate each of “the Westward Care values of teamwork, respect, kindness and trust” in her work.

The “always very supportive, caring and compassionate” Adwina Brattan was named Southlands’ new employee of the month, especially following a particular occasion in July where she went above and beyond. According to one colleague who voted for her, Adwina, after a “12-hour shift on end-of-life care...stayed for two hours after her shift to support and comfort the family and help out the night staff.”

Last but not least, Activities Coordinator Elkie Saint-Robson was voted Headingley Hall’s employee of the month in July, after she previously took home the certificate in January of last year. Where one colleague wrote that Elkie “brings joy and fun to Headingley Hall”, another wrote that Elkie is consistently “considerate of everyone’s needs and thinks of what extra she could do to help residents and families”.

Congratulations to our employees of the month for July, and thank you, as always, to everyone who voted. Thank you, also, to all those staff members who continue to do standout work across all locations.