STAFF
Claire Robinson, Registered Manager
I joined The Thorns Retirement Home in February 2016 and became the Registered Manager in August 2016. I have been working towards this role for twenty five years since the age of sixteen when I first took on the role as a care assistant. Within this time period I have studied a BTEC National Diploma in Social Care and a BA (Hons) Degree in Sociology at the University of Lancaster.
In 2007 I made the decision to study Nursing at the University of Cumbria, this felt like a natural progression and I was passionate about excellent standards of care. During this time, I gained lots of experience working on the orthopaedic wards and theatre, Cardiology, outpatients departments and completed my management placement with the District Nurses team. Having qualified as a registered nurse in 2010, I then worked in the care sector for almost six years, which I thoroughly enjoyed and gained lots of valuable experience, developing my communication skills, decision making and clinical knowledge.
I am passionate about delivering excellent standards in care and inspiring staff to do the same and reach their full potential. I have a genuine, kind and caring attitude and work towards ensuring everyone is addressed as an individual and is happy, safe and are treated with respect and dignity at all times and I reflect on how I would want my own parents or grandparents to be cared for. I have since completed a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and hope to develop further in the future.
Health Care Assistants
At The Thorns Retirement Home we pride ourselves in having a genuine, kind and caring team who promote a happy and homely environment, in order for individuals to thrive. Claire the Registered Care Home Manager is available anytime Monday Thursday, she is supported by Maggie the Assistant Manager and Abigail the senior care assistant who focuses predominantly on medication and administration. We have two senior staff who competently run the weekend shifts and a wonderful team of staff who support us. We promote laughter, fun and engaging conversations and are able to empathize, be compassionate and understanding. We promote independence but are there to assist at any given opportunity if individuals require support. We encourage staff to sit with the residents and have conversations, whether it be about their own concerns and needs or their lives and interests in general.
The staff undergo mandatory training in order to develop their knowledge and to provide excellent standards of care, which is safe and effective. It is important to empower our team so we also provide face to face training such as Fire training, COSHH, First Aid and equality and diversity and we ask staff what they need so they can gain confidence and develop skills in other areas. Professional development is so important at The Thorns and staff qualifications range from NVQ Level 2, 3, 4, 5 up to degree level.
