More outstanding carers than ever join the GEM roll of honour

We know our staff are exceptional – that’s why at Extra Hands we introduced the GEM Awards for those who ‘go the extra mile’ – but it’s good to know that our service users appreciate them too, with the latest round of nominations including more outstanding carers than ever.

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From our Broadland team, Tracey Parker was nominated by the daughter of one service user for her ‘calm and caring’ manner. 

“Due to my mum’s Alzheimer’s she could be quite difficult at times, but Tracey always managed in a calm and caring way to win her round. 

“She was also a great support to me when I was finding things difficult. She is wonderful at her job and deserves to be awarded for it.”

Mark Potter received two nominations, with one stating he ‘makes a huge difference’ and ‘goes that extra mile more times than I care to mention’. 

Melissa Morrison was praised for ‘going out of her way to help with everything – nothing is too much for her’, while Karen Willacy was described as ‘a real tonic’.

“We have seen Karen for some time now, and we are always pleased to see her,” ran her nomination. “She is always cheerful and friendly and obviously loves her job.”

The nomination for Catia Olivera praised her for being ‘very sociable, considerate, willing, caring and well-mannered’  and added that she was ‘very interested in all caring tasks’, ‘always on time’ and ‘a great worker’.

Samantha Colman’s nomination stated: “Sam is always friendly, polite and delivers her service with a smile. She’s incredibly professional and puts the service user at ultimate ease. She really is a super star!”

Nominations were also received for Sue Symington and Kerry Williams, who was described as ‘a genuinely lovely lady who goes the extra mile with all her service users’. 

There were just as many nominations among our Heacham staff, where one service user nominated three of her carers: Karon Hearle, Debbie Underwood and Amanda Hathaway (who also received a second nomination).

“The patience, gentleness and highest levels of care they have provided me with have been appreciated more than anyone could over imagine,” said the nomination. “Not only are they so efficient and caring, they are just what I need in my life – they are a breath of fresh air and a giggle.”

Sheila Keir was nominated by a service user who said she was ‘absolutely marvellous’ and she ‘couldn’t manage without her’; while nominations were also received for Rowena Manning ‘for taking her caring that extra mile’, and Julie Hughes, who was praised for her consideration and cheery disposition. 

“Julie is caring and cheerful, [and] pre-empts most of my needs, which I find so comforting.”

It was her ‘amazing’ help in caring for a service user while he waited for an ambulance that won Marion Ashton her nomination from his grateful wife. “She took excellent care of him and made sure that he was clean before he was taken to the hospital.”

A more unusual characteristic was singled out alongside her efficiency and pleasant manner in the nomination for Analise Capillanes – her meteorological knowledge: “Always cheerful and up-to-date with the weather forecast, Anna has a nice manner and is efficient at all times.”

With such broad skills and caring personalities, it’s no surprise that so many of our staff are nominated for ‘going the extra mile’, and we are proud of them all for their hard work in making such a difference to our service users, and making our company what it is today.