Buckinghamshire care workers recognised at The Orders of St John Care Trust employee awards

Employees from 11 care homes and services across Buckinghamshire were among those recognised at this year’s Trust Recognition Awards, which celebrate the contribution, commitment, and achievements of individuals and teams across The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).

The awards recognise employees and teams who have made a particular contribution to the lives of residents over the past year, whether through the quality of care they provide, their leadership, support for colleagues, innovation or their contribution to the wider community.

The Buckinghamshire award winners were:

Deepthi Jose, Home Manager, Fremantle Court recognised for The Nigel Stourton Award.

The Nigel Stourton Award recognises that Deepthi has excelled in the year and made an outstanding contribution to resident care. The Award is named after one of OSJCT’s first Trustees. He later became Chairman and supported the work of OSJCT for almost 30 years.

Fremantle Court recognised for Team of the Year.

The award recognises the collective efforts of colleagues who work together to provide high-quality care and create a welcoming environment where residents feel valued, respected and at home.

Kayleigh Harrop, Manager, Aylesbury Supported Living recognised for Outstanding Lead of the Year.

The Outstanding Leader of the Year award recognises Kayleigh for her strong leadership in creating positive working environments, inspiring colleagues and ensuring the highest standards of care and support.

Rumyana Kiryachko, Nurse, Lewin House recognised for Nurse of the Year.

The award recognises the important contribution of Rumyana through her nursing role, highlighting the dedication, compassion and professionalism that are at the heart of high-quality care.

Liane Edmonds, Carer, Sir Aubrey Ward House recognised for Carer of the Year.

The award celebrates the dedication and commitment of care professionals who go above and beyond in their roles, helping to ensure residents receive compassionate, person-centred care that respects their individual needs, preferences and dignity.

The awards reflect the breadth of roles involved in delivering care and support, from care and nursing teams to housekeeping, catering, administration, maintenance, activities and management. They also celebrate volunteers who bring their own time, talents and companionship, helping residents stay connected, enjoy new experiences and maintain links with their local communities.

Caroline Dunagan, OSJCT’s operations director for the region, said: “I am delighted that our team’s hard work has been recognised through these awards. This achievement reflects their dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit, and I am proud of their contribution and effort in creating good outcomes for the people they care for.”

The awards also provided an opportunity to recognise colleagues who have reached significant milestones in their careers with OSJCT, with long-service awards for 20 years or more presented alongside qualifications achieved by employees.

Among those recognised were:

Teresa Bliss, Milton Keynes Supported Living recognised for 30 years’ service.

Marianne Romano, Aylesbury Supported Living recognised for 25 years’ service. 

Kerry Plant, Sir Aubrey Ward recognised for 25 years’ service.

Wendy Rackstraw, Sir Aubrey Ward recognised for 25 years’ service.

Merima Dzafic, The Heights recognised for 25 years’ service. 

Donna Robertson, Cherry Garth recognised for 20 years’ service.

Toni Vipan, Fremantle Court recognised for 20 years’ service.

Miriam Tatushime, Lent Rise House recognised for 20 years’ service. 

Charlotte Karas, Milton Keynes Supported Living recognised for 20 years’ service.