MP and Councilor Join Staff Appreciation Event at Bromyard Care Home

A number of local dignitaries visited a Bromyard care home to thank staff for their dedication during the pandemic.

Bill Wiggin MP and the chairman of Herefordshire County Council, Councilor Sebastian Bowen, joined staff and residents at Froome Bank care home to offer their appreciation to the 29-strong team.

One staff member that was recognised in particular was manager Vicki Napper, who joined the home almost a year ago during the height of the ‘second wave’ of COVID-19.

Ms Napper, started out as a support worker at another one of Shaw healthcare’s homes, the Hawthorns, in 2007. She became senior support worker within a year before completing her NVQ level 3.

She later took on roles supporting the managers at Woodview and St Johns care home, before taking the next step into management at Froome Bank. She was also named a finalist in the ‘inspirational individual’ category at the 2019 Shaw Star Awards ceremony.

Commenting on the event, she said: “It was lovely to be able to get together, albeit in limited numbers, to reflect on our work throughout the year. I really didn’t expect any fanfare – caring for our residents has always been our priority – so to have a number of recognisable faces join us and thank us was a wonderful festive treat.”

The celebration was also attended by Russell Brown, who took over as Shaw healthcare’s CEO earlier this year. Staff showcased the home’s ‘memorial wall’, where residents and staff write positive messages, to Mr Brown and the dignitaries – who added their own note to the ever-growing wall.

He added: “At Shaw healthcare we acknowledge the huge strain that has been placed on our staff throughout this pandemic – a pandemic that has hit the whole sector for almost two years.

“Organising these small celebrations is just one of the ways we thank our staff for their work. Vicki has been a shining star across the region and has led a team who work incredibly hard to keep staff safe. I know this great work will continue into the New Year and beyond.”