Rushall Care Home

To be completed.

I am Phil Toomer-Smith the General Manager here at Rushall Care Home. I began my nursing career in 2006 at the University of Wolverhampton, and have since gained experience in Medical, Surgical, Trauma and Intensive care. I have a passion for delivering good palliative and dementia care services. Previous to nursing I worked in the tourism sector with airlines and hotels so I take customer service very seriously.

I have worked in the community with nursing homes for the last 10 years, starting as a nurse, through to deputy manager and general manager. I moved back to the Midlands in 2020 from the Channel Islands after working there for 7 years.

I enjoy developing my team and eagerly push training and education to ensure that the care delivered is up to date with current standards. I have continued with my education and since qualifying I have completed a BSc in nursing, a Diploma in nursing home management and a postgraduate Diploma in healthcare law and ethics.

I strive to lead a team of staff who enjoy their work and want to develop, as this will only benefit the care our residents receive.

Abi is our Deputy General Manager. Abi has been with us since September 2022 and qualified as an RNLD from Birmingham City University in 2019. This was due to supporting a friend through access to a nursing course and choosing to stay in nursing herself. Previous to nursing Abi has held various forms of employment including being a public house licensee and an NVQ sign-off. Abi gained her foundational clinical skills primarily in forensic psychiatric fields and found herself wanting to round off her skills further in all areas of nursing. Abi is driven to support and ease the burdens of living with complex care needs and supporting residents and their families through end-of-life care. Abi continues to drive quality improvement and positive change, by leading the nursing team and enhancing family communication here at Rushall. Since joining and leading care delivery here at Rushall Care Home Abi has formed strong therapeutic relations with all areas of the multidisciplinary team based here in Walsall.

Kirstie Leadbeater has been with us here at Rushall Care Home since 2022. She comes to us with a wealth of previous experience including hospitality and the care industry. Kirstie also brings her dog Jax to work to promote enhanced holistic care for our residents

Please may I introduce you to our new Clinical Lead Nurse Tracey? She has been with us since 2022 and has settled in so well. Tracey qualified from the University of Wolverhampton as an RGN in 2019, previous to this she was a hairdresser and a carer. Tracey always thought she wasn’t clever enough to go to University, but we are so very pleased that she did.

Hi, I’m John, I came to Rushall Care Home in 2020. I previously worked at Nicholl Food Group as a site maintenance manager. I had decided to take it easier and join Rushall to work 3 days a week with zero pressure. Who knew that I’d end up supporting the home through a whole home rejuvenation? If we aren’t throwing it out, we’re painting it or moving it, but I’m having a lot of fun. My brother works for one of our sister homes Woodgreen Nursing Home - Wednesbury now too.

My name is Michelle, I am the Head Chef here at Rushall, I have been here since 2002. I started in catering completing a YTS training scheme at Springfield Brewry in Wolverhampton. I moved on to Bilston College to complete numerous City and Guilds and ULCI pastry courses. I have previous waitressing skills and Duty Manager skills at Hilton Park. I never planned to stay here at Rushall, yet I have now been here 18 years and I am very happy here. I love interacting with the residents, providing meals which are warm and nutritious, on a style of home from home. My team and I prepare and serve meals for various dietary requirements, in a consistency which maintains safety and ensure the enjoyablilty of eating each day.

My name is Lynn, I have been here at Rushall for many years. I started as a carer in 1992, as the housekeeper was leaving I showed an interest in becoming the new Head Housekeeper. I have been completing this role for 5-6 years now. I lead a team of 4 staff to ensure that the home is presented to its best ability. I like all aspects of my job, this includes making sure that the house is nice and clean and tidy. I particualry ensure the interaction with the residents and thier families.

I provided activities through Girl Guiding, I was a qualified leader for 10 years, mainly with Rainbows (5-7 years of age). I have previously worked within a residential home catering to the needs of EMI placement, I did this for four and half years while I was studying a BSc in Animal behavior and wildlife conservation. I fell in love with providing activity provision. I saw the job become available here at Rushall and love working here.Whilst working here at Rushall I was nominated for the West Midlands Care Association Excellence in Care. My favourite thing about my job is how unique each resident is and providing person centred support for each resident.

I started working for Trust Forte hotels in 1985 to complete my kitchen training and completed my City & Guilds Catering Level 2 with Walsall College. I worked my way up to Sous Chef and completed my hotel career on The Pass, leaving in 2004. I came to Rushall Care Home 16 years ago and I am very happy here.

Hi Rushall, my name is Jennie and I have worked here at Rushall for 7 years now. I initially started as a carer, but I am now working as a nurses assistant and lead the care team.

I love working with residents and the families, thier needs are my first concern. Supporting my carers is next on my list. I enjoy delivering good palliative care, but do struggle with the emotional side of things.

I really enjoy working here at Rushall we have such a family atmosphere here. I could not recommend our home enough.

Hi, my name is Barbara, I started here at Rushall in 2003. I have always worked in care, I always work to my best ability, providing care with love. I enjoy meeting new people, laughing with residents and having a joke

Hi all, I’ve worked here at Rushall since 2015, before that I worked as a community carer for 3 years. I have also worked as a private 1:1 carer, for around 10 years. I love to learn and have my NVQ2 and 3, Dementia level 2 and medication qualifications. I love my job and do my best to keep all the residents safe and happy. Working at Rushall is like my second family.

Hi all, my name is Sam, I’m 28 and I started here at Rushall in 2016. Family is very important me, and I have previously studied childcare. I love Rushall very much, I eagerly returned after my maternity leave. Having my little boy means that I can only work once a week, and extra when I can. I treat all of the residents as my own family. I am very bubbly, even after a long night shift.

Hi all, I’ve worked here at Rushall since 2017, previously to working here I’ve been a support worker with people who have learning difficulties. Working at Rushall is close to my own family home, and perfect for doing the school run with my kids. I enjoy every day, helping residents and supporting end of life care. When my children are older, I intend on climbing the career ladder as I love to train and expand on my knowledge.

Hi, I’m Katy, I’m 17 years old, at the moment I’m exploring future career ideas and really fancy working in healthcare. I have friends and family who work here. The General Manager Phil gave me the opportunity to start in a bank position, I have now been given contracted hours. I would like to think that I might become a nurse. Watch this space.

Hi, my name is Tracy, I started here at Rushall as a carer in November 2019, I have worked as a carer for over 14 years now. I love my job and my residents, especially keeping them happy and safe through this global covid pandemic. We are one big happy family.

My name is Sandra, I’ve been working here at Rushall since February 2020, exactly a year now. Before working here I was an RMN/EMN, I started my nurse training in 1979 at St Matthews in Burntwood, I continued to work at St Matthews and the George Bryan centre after I qualified. I retired in 2016 but got bored. When I saw a vacancy here at Rushall I eagerly applied and was successful. I really love working here, meeting the residents and staff and having a good time.