Merlewood

Debbie trained as a nurse at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton in the 90s. This was followed by over 20 years of nursing in the NHS, mainly within Medical and Elderly care, working her way to the position of Advanced (Clinical) Site Practitioner at a large local hospital. It was during this time that Debbie’s passion for care of the elderly blossomed, along with the personal fulfilment of getting to know people in her care and their families.

Debbie moved into Social Care at Merlewood in 2013 as Deputy/Clinical Care Manager to use her skills and experience in a different aspect of elderly medical care. In 2019, Debbie became General Manager of the home. Debbie gets huge satisfaction from leading a team of like-minded, compassionate individuals; Merlewood residents and staff have become a second family to her.

I started my nursing career at 'The Berkshire College of Nursing and Midwifery' in 1992, I qualified in 1995.
After qualifying as a nurse, I worked in various hospitals but predominantly in the cardiology departments.
I eventually left the NHS after 15 years to pursue a career in the care home sector.

Initially, I was employed as a Deputy Manager, but soon I was promoted to the General Manager.

I came to work at Merlewood as the Unit Manager on McAlpine in 2015. I loved the role and the home, but left for a promotion.

However, I returned to Merlewood as the Clinical Care Manager in April 2022.

Working at Merlewood Care Home is so satisfying. The staff and residents are very special people.

After leaving school, I completed a chef apprenticeship with Compass Group, where I gained experience in recipe development and had the opportunity to work at high-profile events such as Wimbledon and The Brit Awards.

I went on to further my career as the lead hospitality chef at Brunel University and then Roehampton Golf Course before taking on the role of Bar and Café Manager. This shift to a more management-focused position led me to my role with EFH as the Hotel Services Manager at Merlewood, where I now oversee the Housekeeping and Catering teams.

My role focuses on ensuring that our residents receive the best possible service from each of my departments every day.

I look after a small maintenance crew that maintains Merlewood’s incredible 23-acre gardens and supports our 54 residents.

I thoroughly enjoy my varied work here at Merlewood Care Home — every day is different and satisfying in so many ways.

Our maintenance team ensures the building, grounds, and equipment are safe, functional, and comfortable for both residents and staff. I always recognise that this is our residents’ home, and my goal is to help them enjoy the comforts they deserve while our team quietly takes care of the chores in the background.

I am the weekday receptionist here at Merlewood Care Home. I am new to the care sector. 

I really enjoy my job. I take pride in welcoming residents, visitors and families, offering support and kindness every day.

This year, I was nominated by my line manager and won the award for 'Best Care newcomer - South'.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family (especially my grandchildren), gardening, walking and catching up with friends over coffee. 

I have worked in the care sector for nearly 20 years. It's a very rewarding industry to work in.
I specialise in Sales and Marketing. I have taken many courses to improve my skills and knowledge.
I initially started my career in recruitment, owning several recruitment agencies before I moved to the Hotel Industry as a Sales and Marketing manager, eventually becoming a Sales Director for a small chain of hotels.
I was then 'headhunted' by a care provider and soon realised this was the career path that I thrived in.
Listening and understanding a potential resident's wants and needs for the next chapter of their life is a great honour and a huge responsibility.
I have worked for many of the large corporate providers, but I am currently enjoying working for this fabulous, smaller charity/provider that is resident-led.
Elizabeth Finn is a 'Profit for Purpose' business.

In my spare time, I enjoy my family, friends and walking my large Golden Retriever.