Milton Keynes care provider, PJ Care, has been named ‘Best Care Employer’ in prestigious industry awards.
The accolade is one of three the company received in the Great British Care Awards for the south east, which were held in Brighton on the 23rd July.
Judges commented that PJ Care, which runs Bluebirds and Mallard House neurological care centres, “dare to think around corners, be different and outspoken in pursuit of excellence. The obvious dedication to continuous development was inspirational.”
PJ Care is an independent provider of specialist neurological care and rehabilitation for adults with physical illness, varying levels of mobility and challenging behaviours.
They use a resident-centred approach in environments that are designed to promote the highest quality of life.
The family-run company also took home the ‘Dementia Carer’ award, won by student nurse, Heather Marchant from Eaglestone.
Soon to qualify in mental health nursing, Heather caught the judges’ attention because of undertaking training in her own time to further her knowledge, with the aim of becoming a specialist dementia nurse.
The judges said: “Heather demonstrated that dementia care was in her DNA, she has a passion for learning and ensuring residents’ wishes are central in end of life care.”
As the winner of the ‘Care Innovator’ award, specialist nurse, Michela Russell, was praised for her “drive, commitment and determination” in developing the company’s referral system.
Her dedicated team of nurses assess whether individuals are suitable to move in, and as a result, 50% more people are being admitted.
The company was ranked as one of the top 10 health and social care companies to work for in the UK in the Best Companies awards in May and is the 36th best company to work for overall in the south east.
It is an accredited Living Wage employer meaning it offers all staff at least £9.50 per hour.
Chairman, Neil Russell said: “We are so thrilled to have won these awards! They shine a light on the dedication, innovation and passion among our staff, whose daily ambition is to give our residents the very best care and quality of life.
“We are proud that, as a company, our efforts to support our staff to develop their skills and help them reach their full potential have also been recognised.”
Staff at its Peterborough care centre are also shortlisted in nine categories for the Great British Care Awards in the east of England.
All of the company’s winners will go forward to the Great British Care Awards national finals in the autumn.
