Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley, our Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home, has devised a unique ‘Way’ to honour his long service care team members, thanking them for their continued commitment, devotion and unwavering support they give to the residents every day. “We always say that our long serving members of staff are like part of the furniture due to the many years of service they have given to the residents and Bernard Sunley,” said Andy. “With this in mind, I decided to – literally – make them part of the furniture and am giving staff members who have been here for 20 years or more their very own street name in the care home.”
Ester Manlubatan, the Deputy Manager and Clinical Lead at Bernard Sunley has been with Friends of the Elderly and at the care home since January 2003. “I have worked at Bernard Sunley for nearly 23 years,” said Ester. “When I first joined the team, I was an Adaptation Nurse. I then became a Qualified Nurse and was promoted to a Team Leader, before advancing even further to become the care home’s Deputy Manager and Clinical Lead. The thing I like the most about working with Andy and all of the team at Bernard Sunley is that fact that we come as the complete, whole package. From the Domestic Team to the Manager, we are one team, with one focus – the safety, comfort and wellbeing of the residents. In fact, we are more than a team, we are a family. To have my very own street – ‘Manlubatan Way’ – in the care home, is wonderful. I walk down the ‘Way’ so many times each day, seeing the sign always makes me smile.”
Night Care Assistant, Martine Whitby, has worked at Bernard Sunley for 22 years. “Before joining Friends of the Elderly in 2004, I was the Deputy Manager and Relief Home Manager at a residential home for adults with learning difficulties,” said Martine. “When I joined the Bernard Sunley team, I felt at home immediately. There are many reasons I have stayed at the care home for so long – I really enjoy my job and working with my colleagues and the Nurses – plus I get fantastic training and support from the management team. Both Andy and Ester are kind, approachable, supportive, good listeners and give good advice – but the best thing about my job is that on every shift, I am lucky enough to care for and support the wonderful residents. Talking to them, hearing their life stories, helping, supporting and assisting them can’t be matched; and now having ‘Whitby Way’, my very own street at Bernard Sunley, is the cherry on the cake.”
Shift Leader, Anna Olejnik, has been part of the Bernard Sunley team for over 21 years and now has her very own ‘Olejnik Avenue’ at the care home. “Bernard Sunley is a lovely place to work, and everyone one the care team is nice, friendly and, of course, so caring,” said Anna. “We have a great and diverse team, full of different nationalities and backgrounds. I’m Polish and, together with my colleagues, the residents are always keen to hear about our cultures and customs, which really does make Bernard Sunley so unique and an exceptional place to work.”
Joyful Mhunduru, the proud recipient of ‘Mhunduru Mews’, has worked at Bernard Sunley for 24 years and is one of the care home’s Night Nurses. “I really like the charity’s values and culture,” said Joyful. “There’s always a positive and supportive work atmosphere, and we are lucky to have an understanding and encouraging leadership team. My favourite thing about my role is making an actual, positive different to the residents’ lives, it’s so rewarding.”
Health Care Assistant, Susan Casey, has been part of the Bernard Sunley family for 22 years. “Seeing ‘Casey Crescent’ on the wall each day is fantastic and just goes to show what a nice, friendly and kind place Bernard Sunley is to work. Being able to care for the wonderful residents is an honour – it’s so enjoyable to be able to chat to them and give each one the best possible care I can, every day – I really enjoy it.”
“I am so incredible proud of all my team, they are absolutely amazing. They do so much for all the residents – and their families – to me they are heroes. Each one is totally committed to delivering bespoke, high-quality care, support to each resident; always going that extra mile without a second thought. “They do – and will do – anything to make sure each resident is safe, comfortable, engaged and cared for 24/7 – I really couldn’t ask for a better, more caring and professional team and I can’t thank them enough for all they do every day,” concluded Andy.
Find out more about Bernard Sunley care home by calling 01483 764 300 or emailing [email protected].