MORE than a dozen Oxfordshire care home staff have been recognised for their dedication at an awards ceremony.

By Emma Harrison, Reporter covering Rose Hill, Littlemore and Iffley. Contact me on 01865 425430

MORE than a dozen Oxfordshire care home staff have been recognised for their dedication at an awards ceremony.

Lisa Khan, head of care at Longlands care home in Blackbird Leys, was among those honoured at The Orders of St John Care Trust’s 2012 Oxfordshire Staff Awards.

The trust is a not for profit charitable organisation, with 72 care homes across four counties, including 18 in Oxfordshire along with others in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire.

Ms Khan, 34, is on a six-month secondment from her role at Abingdon’s Old Station House.

She was nominated by her colleagues in Abingdon and won the leader of the year award.

Ms Khan, who collected her award at the ceremony at The King’s Centre in Osney Mead last month, said: “It was a wonderful achievement, I started in the trust about six years ago as a carer and worked my way up the ranks.

“The trust is a wonderful organisation to work for, they really encourage you. It is nice to be recognised by your employer and my colleagues who voted for me.”

Of her job she added: “It is very rewarding, I like giving a little bit back to society.

“It is quite nice giving somebody a little bit of assistance.”

She was presented with the award because of the encouragement and support she gives her team.

Sharon Tatum, from Abingdon’s Mayott House, was presented with the unsung hero award for her commitment to the home, stepping in to cover shifts and supporting the team.

She said: “I was quite proud that a member of staff had nominated me and that I actually won. I was over the moon.”

She also received an award for giving 25 years of service.

Scott Turvey, from Meadowcroft in Thame, took home young carer of the year, as well as the Oxfordshire employee of the year award.

Mr Turvey was recognised for his commitment to the wellbeing of the residents and enthusiasm to progress, by undertaking training opportunities.

Carer of the Year award was won by Pauline Day, from Madley Park House in Witney, and it was her commitment to her role that made her stand out for the judges.

Linda Sole, from Larkrise Care Centre in Banbury, won the hospitality award, which recognises those that have gone above and beyond their normal duties.

Volunteers Sue Hunt, from Henry Cornish Care Centre in Chipping Norton, and Sarah Ayres, from Madley Park House in Witney, were presented with special recognition of voluntary service awards at the ceremony.

Other staff members were presented with long service awards for 25, 30 and 35 years.

A number of homes were also given Care and Quality Accreditation Awards.

Speaking at the ceremony, trust chief executive Andrew Cheesbrough, said: “The awards ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the essential role of all our employees in delivering quality care and is an opportunity to praise individual training achievements and long service.

“It is a great occasion for colleagues, residents, friends and partners of The Orders of St John Care Trust to come together to celebrate the hard work shown by our team and to say a big thank you to all of our staff.”

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