Optalis staff sparkle at Great British Care Awards

Optalis are proud to announce the news that of the two staff members who made the regional finals of the Great British Care Awards last week, one won their category. The awards celebrate excellence across the care sector, and pays tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

Two members of staff who work at our Suffolk Lodge Care Home were nominated: Activities Coordinator Rebecca Craker for the ‘Care Home Activity Organiser Award’ and Suffolk Lodge Deputy Manager Catherine Illsey for 'Care Home Worker'.

Both made the final stage of the competition after being interviewed by a panel of judges during November, and, on Friday November 29 at a glittering awards night held at the Hilton Hotel in Brighton, Rebecca learned that she had won the Care Home Activity Organiser category, with Catherine becoming runner-up in her Care Home Worker category.

The awards ceremony, which was presented by comedienne Helen Lederer, was attended by some 450 finalists, as well as sponsors and social care professionals from around the south east of England.

Rebecca will now go on to automatically enter the National Care Awards representing the South East in her category (taking place in April 2014 at the Grosvenor Hotel, London).

Rebecca said: “I am thrilled Optalis has been recognised for superb care in two categories. It was a real honour to meet so many fabulous, caring people and hear all about their own achievements
and contributions. I was stunned to win, as I just do my job to the best of my ability and don’t think anything more about it!

“I have to say it was truly a team effort and without my manager Wendy Luck, colleague Catherine Illsey and nomination from Anne Lawn, and the rest of the staff team at Suffolk Lodge, it would not have been achievable."