Inverness carers win top awards
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A member of staff from local care home, Kinmylies Lodge, has been recognised for their outstanding dedication at the 2022 Meallmore Staff Awards.
David Lawrie from Kinmylies Lodge in Inverness was awarded for his exceptional performance over the past year in the Meaningful Activities Award.
The Meaningful Activities Award recognises a member of staff in one of Meallmore’s care homes who demonstrates they can provide a varied and appropriate programme of activities. The activities will have made an exceptional contribution to the quality of life, health and happiness of the home’s residents through the activities they provide.
Speaking on his win, Mr Lawrie said: “I’ve worked in the care industry for 17 years and I’ve never won an award before, so it’s a really big shock to be named the winner of this category.
"My colleagues at Meallmore have obviously seen something in me to nominate me for this award; I’m grateful to them as they’ve really pushed me out of my comfort zone to learn new skills, which in turn helps the residents and provides them with meaningful activities every day.”
Additionally, staff members who work in Meallmore’s head office based in Caulfield House, Inverness, were also commended.
Morag White, Meallmore’s quality support officer was presented with the Head Office and Field Based Support Team Award. This recognises a member of staff who provides support functions to Meallmore’s services across Scotland.
“To win this award is so special because my colleagues nominated me", said Ms White.
"This is actually the fourth time I have been a finalist, so to win it is just wonderful. I have worked at Meallmore for 25 years and we are a family run business and I wouldn’t want to work for anyone else.
"During my time with the company I have done everything from being a home manager to being an area manager and I have always felt fully supported in each of my roles. A big thank you goes to my team – not only for the nomination but for always being so supportive.”
Meanwhile, Angela Paterson and Angela Morrison were bestowed with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, which was announced for the first time since 2019. This was chosen by Meallmore’s chairman of the board, Gerry Hennessey, and was given as an exceptional award to recognise excellent attributes, commitment and outstanding achievement.
The awards, now in its 11th year, is run by leading care provider Meallmore Ltd. It is their first in-person ceremony since the start of the Covid pandemic, with the awards held virtually in 2021.
180 members of staff from Meallmore’s 26 care homes across Scotland came together for the 2022 celebrations at the Dunblane Hydro.
Presented by singer and TV personality Michelle McManus, the awards recognised employees who have had a significant impact on improving the lives of residents, family members of residents and colleagues over the past twelve months.
This year, there were 12 award categories, with nominations put forward by residents, residents’ families, visiting professionals and staff. In total, there were 1,005 submissions, more than double those received for 2021’s awards. The company employs around 1,700 people, all of whom were eligible for a nomination.
Speaking on winning the Chairman’s Award, Angela Morrison commented: “This award win has come completely out of the blue. I’ve been with the company for 27 years and it’s a brilliant family business, and that’s why I’ve stayed as long as I have. I give back what I get from the company and feel very valued.”
Also speaking on her Chairman’s Award win, Angela Paterson added: “20 years ago I never envisioned working in the care sector, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m grateful to have developed my career with Meallmore for this time. This acknowledgement is so unexpected and I’m really grateful to be part of such a caring, family business.”
Gerry Hennessey, managing director of Meallmore, said: “Recognising the hard work of our staff is extremely important to everyone at Meallmore. These awards are all about celebrating the incredible people at our care company who have made a real difference to the lives of our residents across the country. It gives me great pride to see members of the team showcasing such commitment, and the winners are thoroughly well-deserved.
“I would like to thank our staff from all 26 of our care homes who go above and beyond every single day to provide the highest standards of care for our residents. The work they do doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m glad we can acknowledge them in this way. A big thank you also goes to Michelle McManus who once again has shown support for the work that we do.”
On presenting the awards, Michelle McManus added: “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the Meallmore Staff Awards 2022! I am so pleased I was able to get involved again – as always, these awards for Meallmore staff are so important and it’s great to celebrate all the individuals who show such exceptional dedication to so many people across Scotland. Thank you to the team at Meallmore for inviting me back to be part of this year’s ceremony.”
Winners were presented with a certificate, a trophy and choice of prize, which included an Apple Watch, an iPad Mini, a Samsung Galaxy Watch, a Nintendo Switch, or Beats Headphones or Beats buds.
Runners up received a trophy, a certificate of recognition and a £50 Amazon voucher.
Meallmore provides a range of residential nursing, dementia and mental health care across Scotland.
