'Care Home Worker of the Year' award received by Springhill staff member

Friday, 06 August 2021

Springhill Care Home is celebrating after a staff member received a top award for her outstanding efforts during Covid.

The first Ayrshire Weekly Press Health and Key Worker awards were held last month and our very own Louise Saunders was recognised as 'Care Home Worker of The Year'.

The awards aimed to say 'thank you' to those who cared, supported and worked in our communities throughout the national lockdown and members of the public were invited to nominate the health, care and key workers who went the extra mile during the pandemic.

Organisers say nominations flooded in from across the county, leaving the judging panel with some very difficult decisions to make and some truly astonishing achievements were hailed during the virtual ceremony which was hosted by comedian Billy Kirkwood.

On receiving her award, Louise said she was absolutely honoured, adding: "Not only for myself but my colleagues who worked extremely hard during the pandemic."

She said: "I strive to provide a happy, positive and safe environment for those in my care and this award is a reflection of this."

A video outlining Louise' hard work and dedication during the pandemic was shown during the ceremony where Louise was described as "an outstanding member of staff at Springhill Care Home, Kilmarnock. She and her colleagues did all they could to ensure families could maintain quality contact with their loved ones during the pandemic, arranging WhatsApp calls and outdoor meeting areas."

Karen McGuffie, Home Manager at Springhill Care Home said: "When care homes had to close to visitors because of Covid, it was a very distressing time for residents and families who could suddenly no longer see each other. Louise and her colleagues found other ways to keep families communicating during unprecedented times. In doing so, Louise helped provide peace of mind and really went the extra mile. I couldn't be more proud."