Blandford Grange hero Michelle is always positive

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.

Nurses and carers are almost always the first people who spring to mind when we think about those who have gone the extra mile during the pandemic, and we often forget those other staff who have gone above and beyond.

Michelle Buchan was names as one of 24r individuals to be given a Hero Award 2022. She has worked in Blandford Grange in Dorset for over 10 years as a kitchen assistant and 2^nd Chef. She is known to all in the home for her exceptionally high standard of work; her availability to cover shifts at the drop of a hat, but above all for her positive attitude.

Our residents relate to her, and her sunny disposition attracts many in to conversation – often lifting the darkest of moods.

She is described as being ‘a true ambassador for the home in the community and definitely one of the unsung heroes of this pandemic.’

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 Michelle is one of those heroes.”

Pip Rich