DREAM TEAM AT THE HELM AT AVALON
Two experienced care managers who have worked together previously have taken over as manager and deputy manager at Avalon, Bridgwater’s specialist dementia nursing home.
Paul Teasdale, marketing director for the Camelot Care Group which runs Avalon, said: “Sarah Patten’s background includes impressive experience as a care home quality improvement specialist, which means she has a fantastic understanding of quality control that is going to be of benefit to our entire group.”
Also joining Avalon as deputy manager is Jess Hawker, who has worked alongside Sarah for a previous care employer and was head-hunted for her new role.
Sarah Patten has worked in the care industry for nearly 14 years and was drawn to work in the sector by a desire to give people the very best possible care.
Sarah said: “I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing less-than-perfect care when it was needed by a family member, and it made me determined to learn how to make a positive difference to people’s lives when they are at their most vulnerable.
“Dementia care is a highly specialised area, and it is crucial to deliver personalised care for each of our residents.
“Family liaison is also an important part of what we do at Avalon, because we feel strongly that people should be well-informed and able to access up-to-date information about their loved ones at all times.”
Jess has been in the sector for 12 years, including four years’ management experience, and brings to the job a special expertise in clinical monitoring, and extensive experience of end-of-life care.
Jess Hawker said: “I am passionate about empowering individuals to live the life they want to within a safe and happy environment.
“One of the things I shall be doing here is sharing the specialist end-of-life training I’ve received at St Thomas’s Hospital in London, and locally with St Margaret’s Hospice. Involving families at this stage is of the highest priority for us at Camelot Care.
“Through my career I have helped individuals with their career development, and I feel that this opportunity for staff to learn and develop will further improve the high-quality person-centred care we deliver.”
Avalon Nursing Home, which is on Taunton Road in Bridgwater, is run by the award-winning specialist dementia care provider Camelot Care, who have other nursing homes in Wellington and Plymouth. For further information see: www.camelotcare.co.uk
