National Award for Longstanding Coombe Hill Manor General Manager

Sonya Fenwick has been recognised with the Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Gold Award for her outstanding contribution to adult social care, shortly before retiring from her role as General Manager of Signature at Coombe Hill Manor.

The prestigious award recognises individuals who act as role models within the social care sector, achieve the highest standards in their area of practice, and who make a significant contribution to the quality of care received by people using care services, and their families.

Sonya received the award personally from Professor Deborah Sturdy, the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, in recognition of her leadership, clinical expertise and longstanding commitment to improving the lives of older people.

With a career spanning general nursing, mental health nursing, midwifery and community care, Sonya has dedicated decades to supporting people across a range of health and care settings.

For the final decade of her career, she led Signature at Coombe Hill Manor, overseeing the delivery of high-quality care for its residents and supporting colleagues across the home. Under her leadership, Coombe Hill Manor achieved Gold Standards Framework Beacon Status in recognition of its excellence in end-of-life care.

The Chief Nurse Award also recognised Sonya’s leadership through the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as her contribution to creating a supportive and compassionate environment for residents, colleagues and visitors at Coombe Hill Manor.

Sonya has since retired, bringing to a close a long and distinguished career dedicated to improving the lives of people in care. The award provides a fitting recognition of her contribution to adult social care and the legacy she leaves at Coombe Hill Manor.

Speaking after receiving the award, Sonya said: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this award. Caring for others has been a privilege throughout my career and I have been fortunate to work alongside some truly remarkable colleagues, residents and families.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of the entire team at Coombe Hill Manor, whose commitment to delivering exceptional care every day continues to inspire me.”

Rob Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Signature Senior Lifestyle, said: “Everyone at Signature is incredibly proud of Sonya and this well-deserved recognition. Her career has been defined by making a difference and leaving things better than she found them through exceptional leadership, clinical expertise and a genuine passion for improving the lives of older people.

“Under her leadership, Coombe Hill Manor became one of the most respected care homes in the country, achieving standards that many aspire to, but few consistently maintain. More importantly, she has touched the lives of countless residents, families and colleagues throughout her career.

“As Sonya prepared for retirement, this award provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her remarkable contribution to social care and the legacy she leaves behind. She embodies everything that is best about our sector.”