Freshford Cottage

Diana is the Registered Manager at Freshford Cottage and has over 13 years of experience working within the health and social care sector. Since qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 2019, she has continued to build on her extensive knowledge and expertise across a variety of care settings, including hospitals, mental health services, home care, and residential care homes.

Trained in complex care and with a particular passion for palliative care, Diana is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred support that promotes dignity, independence, and quality of life. She believes that exceptional care is built on strong relationships, kindness, and understanding, ensuring that residents and their families feel supported every step of the way.

Since taking on the role of Registered Manager at Freshford Cottage in 2024, Diana has led the service with a focus on high-quality care, continuous improvement, and creating a warm, welcoming environment for both residents and staff. Her approachable leadership style, combined with her clinical expertise and dedication to excellence, helps foster a positive culture where individuals can feel safe, valued, and truly at home.

Maria is the Home Services Administrator at Freshford Cottage and is often one of the first friendly faces residents, families, and visitors meet. With over five years of experience in the healthcare sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge in administration, service management, and delivering excellent customer care.

Before joining Freshford Cottage, Maria worked as a Registered Manager within the dental sector, where she developed strong leadership, organisational, and compliance skills. Her experience has given her a deep understanding of the importance of high-quality care and effective communication in healthcare environments.

Known for her warm and approachable nature, Maria is passionate about building positive relationships and ensuring residents and their families feel welcomed, supported, and well-informed. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence help ensure that Freshford Cottage remains a caring, professional, and well-organised home for everyone.

Priscilla is a Senior Registered Nurse at Freshford Cottage and has been a qualified nurse since 1995. With over 30 years of experience across a wide range of healthcare settings, including theatre, orthopaedics, mental health, and general nursing, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and expertise to the home.

Having been part of the Freshford Cottage team for over seven years, Priscilla plays an important role in supporting both residents and colleagues while helping to maintain the highest standards of care. Her passion lies in bedside nursing, where she enjoys building meaningful relationships and ensuring residents feel comfortable, respected, and well cared for.

Known for her compassionate and approachable nature, Priscilla combines her extensive experience with genuine kindness and professionalism. Her commitment to dignity, wellbeing, and person-centred care makes her a highly valued member of the Freshford Cottage team.

Pamela has been at Freshford for 9 years and has 30 years of experience in care.

She enjoys getting to know all the resident's likes and encourages these to be met and to make these known to all staff.

Pamela has an NVQ 3 and is the champion of infection control and hydration. Being a champion requires extra training and comes with more responsibilities.

Her extra responsibilities include monthly audits, ensuring staff use the right-hand washing technique and encouraging fluid intake of residents.

Pamela is a very much loved member of the team here at Freshford.

Toby is one of the Chefs here at Freshford Cottage and brings over 30 years of culinary experience to the home. Having been part of the Freshford Cottage team for four years, he plays an important role in creating enjoyable dining experiences for residents every day.

With a strong background in traditional country pubs, Toby has developed an extensive knowledge of British cuisine and a passion for creating delicious, home-cooked meals that residents know and love. Throughout his career, he has refined his culinary skills while maintaining a focus on quality, freshness, and flavour.

His experience in the healthcare sector has also given him a strong understanding of the nutritional needs of older adults, allowing him to create balanced, nourishing meals that support residents' health and wellbeing without compromising on taste. Toby takes great pride in preparing meals that bring comfort, enjoyment, and familiarity to residents, making mealtimes a highlight of the day.

Known for his friendly and approachable nature, Toby works closely with residents and the care team to ensure individual preferences and dietary requirements are always considered. His passion for great food and resident wellbeing helps make Freshford Cottage a warm, welcoming place that truly feels like home.

Lois is the Activities Coordinator at Freshford Cottage and is dedicated to creating engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable experiences for all residents. She plays a key role in promoting wellbeing, independence, and social connection through a varied programme of activities tailored to residents' interests, abilities, and preferences.

From arts and crafts and gentle exercise sessions to entertainment, outings, and special events, Lois works hard to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. She believes that activities are about much more than keeping busy; they are an opportunity to build friendships, create memories, and enhance quality of life.

Known for her warm, energetic, and caring nature, Lois takes the time to get to know each resident as an individual, helping them continue to enjoy the hobbies and interests that are important to them. Her enthusiasm and creativity help create a fun, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere throughout Freshford Cottage, making every day as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible.

Holly is an important member of the Freshford Cottage team, helping to ensure that residents always have fresh, clean, and well-presented clothing, bedding, and personal items. Her role in the laundry department contributes greatly to the comfort, dignity, and well-being of everyone living in the home.

With a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of responsibility, Holly takes pride in maintaining high standards while ensuring residents' belongings are cared for with respect and attention. She understands that the small details can make a big difference in helping residents feel comfortable and at home.

Known for her friendly and hardworking nature, Holly is always happy to lend a hand and support both residents and colleagues. Her dedication and positive attitude help make Freshford Cottage a warm, welcoming, and caring environment for all.

Przemyslaw is the Maintenance Operative at Freshford Cottage and plays a vital role in ensuring the home remains safe, comfortable, and well-maintained for residents, visitors, and staff. His work helps create an environment where residents can feel secure and truly at home.

With a practical approach and excellent attention to detail, Przemyslaw is responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the home, from routine maintenance and repairs to ensuring facilities and equipment are operating safely and efficiently. He takes great pride in maintaining high standards throughout Freshford Cottage and is always ready to respond quickly to any issues that arise.

Known for his reliable and hardworking nature, Przemyslaw is a valued member of the team who is always willing to help. His dedication and commitment behind the scenes contribute significantly to the smooth running of the home and the well-being of everyone who lives and works at Freshford Cottage.