Bobbyanne is a hero at Ashley Gardens

Healthcare Homes colleagues were delighted to get together at a company conference and awards last week to recognize staff and teams who work throughout our family of 48 homes and 11 homecare branches.

And whilst it was recognized that every health and social care employee is undoubtedly a hero, and every Healthcare Homes team was awarded an Inspirational Team of the Year Award, managers had also been asked to recommend individuals for the Hero Awards 2022.

Bobbyanne Watson, who works as activities co-ordinator at Ashley Gardens in Maidstone, Kent, was one of 24 individuals honored with a Hero Award.

Bobby is described as an exceptional member of the team – even pre Covid she was one of the most hard working and driven staff. When Covid struck, Bobby took being exceptional to a whole new level, stepping up for anything that was required.

In the early days of lockdown when staffing was difficult, Bobby stepped in to care shifts without any hesitation….working seven days a week on occasion, and long hours at that. Always keeping the huge smile on her face.

In addition to providing activities and care, Bobby took on the responsibility for coordinating contact with relatives – managing visits, Facetime calls and creating postcards to send out to family members. More recently she has encouraged tik toks which are shared on the home’s Facebook page – and much loved by all family members who see them.

Her manager says ‘Bobby is one in a million and we are so lucky to have her – she is selfless and more dedicated to her residents than anyone I have ever worked with – our Hero during Covid and she will continue to be the same going forward.’

Gordon Cochrane, chief executive officer, told the audience, “ I’m delighted to say that we were inundated with nominations for people that managers wanted to be recognized as absolute stars, the backbones of our homes and branches, the heroes we simply cannot do without and Bobby is one of those heroes.”

Pip Rich