Going the extra mile to help keep residents safe during the pandemic has earned a tireless Armadale home worker a top award, writes Stewart McConnell.
Linda Williamson, deputy manager at the Heatherfield Nursing Home in Armadale is celebrating winning one of four awards in the national ‘Going the Extra Mile’ competition, run by Holmes Care Group and Impact Healthcare to recognise care workers’ tireless hard work.
During the pandemic’s initial stages, when the home’s manager was forced to self-isolate after experiencing symptoms of the virus, Linda put aside her own fears to manage the home over a tense, uncertain period.
As infection prevention rules changed on a near-daily basis, she liaised with public health groups to implement the latest guidance across hygiene, care and nursing teams, keeping staff and residents as safe as possible.
Linda juggled many roles across the home, often drawing on her expertise as a nurse to deliver personalised care plans for residents.
She also assumed responsibility for all Covid-19 testing in partnership with local health services.
Her award will see the home win £1000 to spend on the welfare and wellbeing of all staff members.
Hazel McFie, service manager at Heatherfield Nursing Home said: “Although I’ve just joined the Heatherfield team, I can already tell that Linda is a trusted, upbeat and highly-skilled member of the team.
“We are all grateful for the work she did to keep everything running and make sure there was no disruption to the care residents receive.
“When the home needs her, she is there for us, so this award is well deserved.”
Linda said: “The last two years have been challenging for everyone, so it’s a big honour to receive an award like this because it means you’ve made a difference.
“I am very thankful for all the support I received from my colleagues and our wonderful residents despite the difficult circumstances we faced.”
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