Preston Private Nursing Home

Meet Julie Gaskell - Registered Manager at Preston Private

Julie has been the Registered Manager at Preston Private since 2019. She qualified as a nurse in 1986 and has gained extensive experience working in a variety of settings across the NHS and private sectors.

Throughout her career, Julie has approached every role with dedication and enthusiasm, always striving to provide exceptional care.

Julie is passionate about leading by example and nurturing her team to grow, learn, and adapt. She believes that listening and paying attention to detail are vital qualities that have contributed to her career progression. Her focus has always been on putting the needs of the residents first, ensuring their lived experiences are enriched through therapeutic activities and opportunities to access the community.

A strong advocate for quality care, Julie maintains high standards through careful monitoring, observation, and regular auditing. Her creativity and adaptability enable her to embrace change effectively, which is essential in an ever-evolving sector.

Julie is committed to fostering a positive environment where both residents and colleagues feel supported and valued. She is a skilled communicator, an organized and efficient leader, and has a proven ability to motivate and inspire her team. Her approach ensures that Preston Private remains a place where quality care and compassion are always at the forefront.

Meet Abigail Sengwe-Ushe (Deputy Manager/ Clinical Lead)

Abigail is a qualified registered nurse and midwife with over 30 years of nursing experience. Joined Preston Private in 2004 as a registered general nurse. Worked her way up to Unit Lead and embraced the Deputy Manager and Clinical Lead role from 2020 to date. Abigail has a passion for delivering exceptional service.

She strives to ensure the effective delivery of highly holistic person-centred care in a safe environment.

Abigail’s expertise in managing diverse teams, coupled with a compassionate approach, helps foster a warm, supportive environment where both residents and colleagues thrive. Our team at Preston Private is committed to continuous improvement and works tirelessly to uphold our values and maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for everyone.

Meet Mohammed (Mo) – Team Leader at Preston Private.

Mohammed, fondly known as Mo, has been an integral part of Preston Private since joining in 2022. Over the years, Mo has excelled in various roles, showcasing his versatility and commitment to providing exceptional care. Starting as a Night Manager, Mo progressed to become a Unit Lead in residential units and now serves as a Team Leader. His dynamic approach and dedication ensure that you can find him actively working across different units, supporting both residents and staff with his expertise.

Mo’s outstanding contributions were recognized in 2023 when he was honoured with the "Your Care Provider Regional Employee of the Year" award.

With a strong academic background, Mo holds a Master’s in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and a Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care. His passion for continuous learning is evident in his additional qualifications as a Train the Trainer for Moving and Handling and Fire Marshal.
Mo has a wealth of experience in dementia care and residential care settings, Mo plays an important role in making sure residents receive the best possible care.

Meet Tracy McDermott

Tracy McDermott is the Admin Support Manager at Preston Private, bringing over 30 years of invaluable experience in the care sector. Passionate about her role, Tracy is dedicated to ensuring a safe and efficient recruitment process while supporting the ongoing learning and development of the staff.

In recognition of her hard work and excellence, Tracy was awarded Employee of the Year 2024. Her commitment to creating a welcoming and happy environment is evident in everything she does.

Tracy’s focus is on fostering a strong sense of belonging for staff, residents, and visitors alike. She plays a vital role in ensuring that Preston Private remains a place where people feel valued, supported, and truly at home.

Jackie is the dedicated Unit Lead at the Durton Unit and a valued member of our care home team. With an impressive 46 years of experience in the care sector, Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and leadership to her role. She began her journey with our care home in 2011, joining initially in a senior role before progressing to her current position as Unit Lead, thanks to her hard work, commitment, and natural leadership abilities.

Jackie holds a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, which underpins her hands-on approach and deep understanding of person-centred care. Her passion for supporting residents is evident in everything she does. She is known for her cheerful personality and is always seen engaging warmly with staff, residents, and their families. Her approachable nature and friendly demeanour help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone in the home.

Over the years, Jackie has become not only a respected leader but also a mentor to many staff members. She believes in team collaboration, open communication, and continuous improvement in care delivery. Her passion for elderly care shines through in her everyday work, and she remains as enthusiastic and committed as ever to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

We are proud to have Jackie as part of our team — a true role model whose dedication and positivity continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she cares for.

Meet Mariciel – Unit Lead (RGN), Longsands Nursing Unit.

Mariciel is the highly skilled and compassionate Unit Lead (Registered General Nurse) at the Longsands Nursing Unit. She has been a cornerstone of our care home since 2002, bringing over two decades of dedicated service and leadership in nursing.

Mariciel holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which she completed before gaining valuable experience in Jordan and other healthcare settings. Her international background has enriched her clinical skills and given her a broad perspective on delivering person-centred care in diverse environments.

Since joining our team, Mariciel has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional growth and high standards of care. She has successfully completed her Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care, equipping her with advanced knowledge in leadership, management, and care delivery.

Mariciel is known for her strong clinical background, calm presence, and ability to lead her team with confidence and compassion. She takes great pride in mentoring staff, supporting residents, and fostering a collaborative environment within the nursing unit. Her dedication to excellence and her warm, approachable nature have earned her the respect of colleagues, residents, and families alike.

We are proud to have Mariciel as part of our leadership team — a passionate nurse whose experience and empathy continue to make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for.

Meet Lisa – Unit Lead, Ladywell Residential Unit

I began my journey in the care sector in 2016 as a Care Assistant, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. After gaining valuable hands-on experience, I completed my Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care and progressed to the role of Senior Carer on the Ferny Unit (Dementia Unit). My passion for care and leadership naturally led me to being promoted to Unit Lead.

In 2022, I broadened my professional experience by working for the NHS for 12 months. This period greatly enhanced my clinical knowledge and gave me a deeper understanding of care within a wider healthcare context. Upon returning to Preston Private, I was proud to help support the opening of the high-needs residential Ladywell Unit as a Senior, and shortly after, I was given the opportunity to step into the role of Unit Lead, a position I genuinely love and take pride in.

I am passionate about delivering excellent, person-centred care to our residents and strive to create a warm, supportive environment for both residents and their families, especially during difficult times when important decisions need to be made.

Being a part of the Preston Private team means everything to me. I am committed to continuous learning, leading by example, and ensuring every resident receives the respect, dignity, and quality of life they deserve.