Hillside Lodge

I joined Hillside Lodge and Shaw healthcare 9 years ago as a young 18 year old. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed every day.

I began as a support worker and felt I quickly bonded with the team. I then went on to take on an administrator role along side my support worker role. When a post of Team leader became available I jumped at the chance and loved the responsibility of the role.

I progressed again in December 2019 to take on my new and current role of Deputy Managers.

I love my current role as I am able to combine so many factors of my previous roles working closely with the residents, staff, residents loved ones, our head office and outside care practitioners. I enjoy working with people and get great satisfaction by providing the residents at Hillside with high quality care. Carmen and I work very closely together in the same office. Throughout this pandemic I have spent more time with Carmen and the team than my own family. We have regular meetings with the senior nurse and also work very closely with her to ensure the wellbeing of the residents.

From all my wonderful memories, I would say the special memory of mine was when I was a support worker on the dementia unit a lady had her 105th Birthday, all the team made this day so special for her and I will never forget the joy on that ladies face.

Qualifications include:
Health and social care level 3 diploma
Health and social care level 3 apprenticeship – Distinction
Health and social care level 2 diploma
Award in awareness of Dementia level 2

I joined Shaw healthcare 6 years ago here at Hillside Lodge in a Bank Support worker role.
I fitted into the team really well and was made to feel welcome from the first day. I have progressed my roles to Senior Support worker and bank Team Leader alongside my fulltime role of Service administrator.

Hillside Lodge feels like a big extended family, I love supporting the home, staff and residents. Being one of the first people to speak with callers I really enjoy assisting with queries and being able to solve them! My work on the floor defiantly helps me to understand better.
Every day is different and always lots of laughter, keeping the residents safe and happy is always our aim.

One of my best memories of the home was celebrating our 10 year anniversary when we had a big party with residents, families staff and people from the community. I also really enjoyed attending the National Shaw Star awards in 2016 in Oxford.

Qualifications: NVQ level 2 office administration

Customer service in the business sector.

I have also completed distance learning courses with the North East Surrey College: in Common Health Conditions, Principles of dementia care, preparing to work in adult social care, Principles of end life care, all 4 of which I have obtained certificates in.

I have worked at Hillside Lodge for 9 years.

I started at Hillside Lodge full time as a catering and domestic assistant. Right from the first day, I felt like I was part of the team.

I have also worked in the laundry full time. I love seeing the residents everyday and having a chat.

About 4 years ago I started as working as a full time Activity champion more recently I have reduced this to part time. I was given the opportunity to work part time as a service administrator. I am really enjoying this and chatting with families and health professionals.
I love both of my current roles, they are both very different and I love the mix. I love seeing the residents smiling, happy and supporting them with their daily activities and social interactions which are so important in a person’s wellbeing.

I have had many special moments working here at Hillside Lodge but the most special memory would be meeting some amazing characters through their journey here at Hillside Lodge.

Leah began her nursing career at the University of Surrey in Guilford.

After graduation, Leah worked on the wards at St Richards Hospital in Chichester, Arundel Community Hospital and also at St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley.

Later Leah worked for WSCC for a while in one of their older homes called ‘Foxmead’ before moving to a brand new Hillside Lodge and joining Shaw healthcare in the winter of 2007.

Leah offers a kind, holistic and person centred approach to the patients she is looking after, always with a comforting smile.
Hillside Lodge nursing floor is very bright and light for everyone.

Leah feels 100% satisfied in her role, knowing she is supporting the residents in her care.

Leah really does feel like part of the fixtures and fittings at Hillside Lodge, she enjoys all the conversations with health professionals and often offers reassurance to families. Leah feels part of a wonderful care team and cant imagine ever working anywhere else.

Karla joined team Hillside in November 2009 as a Support Worker on days.
Karla quickly found herself enjoying the role and the team she was working with.
Hillside Lodge is a bright spacious home full of laughter and happiness.

Karla quickly showed her passion and commitment to the home and in 2015 after six years working in the home. Karla became a full time Team leader. Karla enjoys the responsibility that the new role offers and is keen to keep progressing.

Karla always finds time to have a chat with residents during her working day. Feeling really privileged to have an impact on their quality of life. She loves hearing the memories of residents and talking with them and summed it up by saying: “Everyday is special to me working with these lovely people."

Qualifications include: Qualifications: Level 2 and 3 diploma in health and social care

Jan has worked at Hillside Lodge for 10 years a very conscientious and supportive member of the team.

Jan really loves being able to make an impact on the residents life’s.

On a normal working day Jan always finds time to go walking with residents, either in the home or gardens and listening to their stories.

Jan offers her support to families, helping to keep them in the loop with their loved ones care.

Music and singing can often be heard around the home, making it a nice place to live and work.
Jan’s best ever memory of a working day, would be when she took a resident to the coast, the smiles and laughter made it all worth while.

New staff joining the Hillside team are often asked to work alongside Jan, she has a wealth of knowledge which she loves to share.

Qualifications include Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care.

Marie joined team Hillside in Pulborough six years ago, in January 2014 starting as a support worker.
Her energy and charisma made her, a very welcomed addition to the passionate team.

Marie worked hard and soon became a Senior Support worker and Bank Team Leader
Then in August 2014 Marie became a Fulltime Team Leader

Marie has never lost her passion or enthusiasm for care, she really enjoys supporting residents and being in a position to promote best wellbeing practice. Marie enjoys all the different areas in the home that offer varied experiences for the residents. Marie feels she has a good rapport with families, this has really supported the home through the recent Pandemic.

One of Marie’s best Memories of a working day is always when celebrating any residents milestone birthdays. A few years ago a lady reached her 100th birthday and we worked with the family to arrange a party for her and involved the staff and the residents in that too. It was a lovely afternoon.