SUMMER 2010
The Ne ewsle etter of the
St Monica Trust
SUMMER 2010
Happy sixth birthday – Sommerville
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1. Heather Herneford & Margaret Wright; 2. Linda Layton; 3. Mary and Creig Stewart; 4. Linda and Bob Layton. 5. Singer and Comedian Kim Lethbridge; 6. Bob Layton; 7. Kim Lethbridge; 8. Madge Lifton with volunteer Wendy Hill.
CONTENTS Royal opening at Sandford PAGE 3
Do you know of any stories that could feature in a future edition of Engage? Please contact: Mark Thomas or Rachel Baker at Head Office on 0117 949 4004 or email us at makethenews@ stmonicatrust.org.uk
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Rika at The Russets Meet the new care home manager PAGE 4 General needs nursing care at Sandford Sherwood opens PAGE 4 Starting over Mike and Faith Page tell their story PAGE 5
Let your views count 2009 residents’ survey PAGE 6
A fine piece of work Monica Wills House PAGE 10
Positive about dementia Trust’s new website PAGE 6
New community choir Cote Lane scale the heights PAGE 11
Local produce at Sandford New farmers market PAGE 6
Summer recipe PAGE 11
The story teller Dr Ian Michael PAGE 7 Resident’s focus Making the most of life PAGES 8-9
Front cover: Dr Ian Michael, author and Westbury Fields resident
News from the Trust PAGES 12-13 Staff profile Julie Haydon, head of HR PAGES 14-15 In the HOT SEAT: Trustee Gillian Camm PAGE 16
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1. Ken Morrison and 2. Bridget Gallagher with HRH The Duke of Gloucester
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3. Meeting residents and guests in Darlisette House 4. Unveiling the commemorative plaque
HRH The Duke of Gloucester opens Sandford Station ore than 75 staff, residents and invited guests celebrated a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester in February to mark the official opening of Sandford Station.
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His visit gave 85-year-old resident, Bridget Gallagher, a moment to remember. She managed to give the Duke a bit of a hug when he visited her new home. “He looked all round and asked me whether I did much cooking,” said
Bridget. “We all met up for tea in the lounge later. It was a really special occasion. Lunch was wonderful, a lovely party for all of us.” Accompanied by Gerald Lee and the Trust’s new president Trevor Smallwood, The Duke made a special visit to The Russets, where, as a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and with a passion for architecture, he was interested to see how the building had been designed in a way that supports the specialist needs of its residents.
The Duke also inspected the old station building, a rare piece of railway heritage restored for local enthusiasts and visitors by the Trust as part of the development. He also tried his hand at giant chess and visited the many different facilities available for residents, including the computer suite and library. Residents, staff and local dignitaries gathered in Sandford Station’s Pullman Restaurant, itself a restored former engine shed, for an opportunity to greet The Duke, who commented on the importance of providing the sort of continuity of care and support for older people that is available for residents of Sandford Station. The Duke then unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion with the help of Trevor Smallwood.
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such a fantastic new service. Having been lucky enough to be appointed, it’s everything I hoped it would be. It is truly innovative and the people who work to support it are wonderfully motivated. It’s a unique place to be.” Along with her busy induction schedule and specialist St Monica Trust dementia training, Rika launched straight into the large recruitment drive that took place in March, choosing new staff at Sandford, in readiness for the opening of the Encore and Sherwood houses, a full five days of interviewing in her first two weeks in post.
RIKA AT THE RUSSETS Following the departure of Rejàne as she heads back to join family in Australia, Rika Mienes has been appointed as care home manager at Sandford. It’s been a hectic first few months. Rika joins the St Monica Trust from Leonard Cheshire Disability, where she has managed a care home for people with physical difficulties for more than
four years. With a wonderfully diverse and varied background, she’s had the opportunity to experience a wide variety of care facilities since she qualified as an RNLD, (Registered Nurse Learning Disability), some 20 years ago, supporting the needs of both young and older people. Says Rika, “I was inspired to apply for the post at The Russets because it’s
“Well, I knew it would be busy,” she laughed. “It’s great to start with that sort of project and get an immediate sense of achievement. Now I’m looking forward to getting to know all the staff, the residents – there will soon be 60 – and all their relatives, not just the names and faces but the individuals behind them, and that might just take me a few more weeks!”
General needs nursing care opens at Sandford brand new care home opens at Sandford Station in June offering 24-hour general needs nursing care in a uniquely comfortable and supported environment.
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A single storey facility catering for elderly residents in need of high quality nursing care and fully equipped with the specialist facilities needed to give residents maximum opportunity to enjoy their surroundings, Sherwood is an integral part of Sandford Station, an important and final piece of the jigsaw in the whole development. Says operations manager at Sandford, Shelley Bailey, “What’s so lovely about all the facilities here are the open airy environment and the beautiful
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countryside that surround us. In Sherwood, every one of the bedrooms has views of nearby hills and greenery.” With 30 en-suite rooms, Sherwood is set to provide the excellent level of support synonymous with all our St Monica Trust care homes, including privacy and freedom of choice. Activity and engagement are supported through positive personal care and regular opportunities for purposeful participation in discussion groups, therapies, events and entertainment. All that plus an opportunity to be part of a vibrant new village community. Adds Shelley, “The opening of Sherwood means Sandford Station can now provide residents with continuity of care and the
opportunity to remain within their new community even though their needs, or the needs of their partner, may change. The new care home will also be a valuable resource for older people in and around Sandford providing high quality nursing care right on their doorstep. Months before opening, we already had a list of local people keen to move in as soon as possible.” The opening of Sherwood completes the wide choice of independent and supported accommodation now available to residents at Sandford Station, including spacious apartments and cottages for lease purchase and a separate 73-bed care facility, uniquely designed to support the individual needs of residents living with dementia.
Starting
over
ore than 50 new residents are making new lives at Sandford Station. Mike Page, 93 and his wife Faith moved to the new retirement village in March, having previously moved out of their family home and into a care home some twelve months before. Life doesn’t always go according to plan.
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Explains Faith, “We chose a care home because at the time, Mike wasn’t too well and it seemed like a good option. The care was exemplary, it was a beautiful setting and everyone was very kind, but when Mike recovered his health we realised we weren’t quite ready to do nothing.” Looking for an alternative and intrigued by the village-type retirement housing enjoyed by friends in America, Mike discovered Sandford Station by surfing the internet. As well as both wanting their own space, a good quality restaurant was important. After twelve months in a care home, Faith admits to being a bit out of practice in the kitchen. The option of flexible care in the future was also essential.
facilities for nursing and dementia care on the site, which I hope we won’t need, but you never know.”
Sandford Station ticked all the boxes and the icing on the cake is that, coincidentally, it’s just down the road from their son and his family.
Moving back into independent accommodation, the couple had to gather together furniture and belongings that had been given to friends and family.
Says Mike, “It’s absolutely perfect. Living here means we’re not a burden on anyone. We can carry on with our lives with the peace of mind that there is help in an emergency. There’s also the support which means we’ll be able to stay in our own home as long as possible, not to mention the other
Laughs Faith, “I suppose it’s quite funny having to refurnish at our age, but we got a few things back and the rest we’ve picked up from charity shops.”
With Faith driving, they’ve been getting to know the local neighbourhood. Mike has kept up his strong connections with the British Red Cross Society. Volunteering in Somerset, he is writing a short history of the Red Cross in the area as part of this year’s centenary celebrations for the branch. Shiny new spades by the French window are the clue that, when she gets a moment, Faith is keen to find time to plant some shrubs in her new garden with its views over the old station ticket office.
Although Faith is keen to try the art group and maybe Tai Chi, since moving in the couple have been just too busy.
“It’s like having a new lease of life, really,” say Faith. “We’re definitely going to make the most of it.”
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Let your views count he 2009 annual residents’ survey was completed and returned by 212 residents, a small drop from previous years. Of those who completed the 23 questions, more than 50% live in Cote Lane, 29% in Westbury Fields and 19% in Monica Wills House.
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The annual survey is just one way that residents can share their experiences of life at the St Monica Trust with the management team responsible for maintaining standards across the organisation. It’s a chance for residents to say what they think about their accommodation, the care and support they receive, how well the Trust is doing with services such as catering, house-
keeping and laundry, the quality of the gardens and leisure areas, and the support available from staff and porters. The surveys are anonymous, which the Trust hopes will encourage an honest reflection. Although there are many different ways in which the Trust gathers feedback over the year, it’s keen to encourage more communication. Only if a service is awarded a good, very good or excellent is a response rated as positive. An adequate rating is not considered good enough. This year 83.4% of all responses were positive with 10.3% negative and 6.3% of the questions unanswered.
An interesting statistic from the analysis is that there were six ‘Very poor’ ratings compared to 796 ‘Excellent’ ratings and there were also some notable improvements. Explains head of marketing and communications, Rachel Baker, “Our investment in Pastoral Care shows in the positive feedback we’ve had this year. Not only did the sums improve, an increase of 7.5% in positive ratings, but the figures are backed up by encouraging comments about the availability of the team and how supportive and caring they are. It’s good to know when something is working well.” Residents in Sandford Station will be invited to contribute feedback on their experience of the St Monica Trust when the 2010 survey is launched later this year.
We’re positive about dementia Positive About Dementia is an exciting new website just launched by the St Monica Trust. It’s designed to share the many achievements and the latest approaches being developed by our teams working to promote quality of life for people living with dementia. Explains head of care, Zara Ross, “The site is packed with stories, examples and case studies. Through both sights and sounds, we hope to give anyone with an interest in dementia, both families and professionals, a unique insight into what life is like for people living and working in our specialist dementia facilities here at the Trust. ” Read all about it at www.positiveaboutdem entia.org.uk
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Local produce star ts trading at Sandford A regular supply of local produce is heading for Sandford with the launch of an indoor Saturday market at Sandford Station. Bread and cakes, dairy, meat, fresh and organic fruit and vegetables, were on the menu along with Easter treats and gifts at the first event, which took place just before the Easter break. Residents snapped up armfuls of daffodils at just three bunches for a pound and as well as seasonal bedding plants. Produce was sourced from local suppliers and included a selection of local Somerset beers and ciders. The Trust is hoping to expand the market for both residents and local villagers, making a regular date for the event on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Short stories
Resident’s focus
and tall tales Dr Ian Michael undoubtedly has the gift of the gab. Over the last five years the 94-year-old resident at Westbury Fields has entertained friends and colleagues, hosting a regular story-telling session, each month treating his audience to one of his own short stories, penned especially for fellow residents. an, who has written 50 tales since he first had the idea after moving into Westbury Fields in 2005, admits that when he first started he didn’t realise it would become such a regular thing.
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A Professor of Education, Ian’s not new to writing, having produced two weighty tomes including one, following years of research, on The Teaching of English: from the Sixteenth Century to 1870, published in 1987. He also had early credits in the art of the short story, once asked to read one of his own on BBC Radio’s Women’s Hour, back in the 1940s. “That was so long ago I can’t possibly remember what it was about,” laughs Ian. “Since then, and before arriving at Westbury Fields, the only story telling I have done is to my own children, so I would have to admit to being a bit of a novice.” In the early days, with a small audience of around ten residents, Ian didn’t even write his stories down. “I just prepared some notes and went for it, much the same way as I did when telling tales to my boys,” explains Ian. “In the end though, I couldn’t trust myself to improvise the dialogue, which meant no dialogue, so I had to write them down. The alternative was lots of action-packed incidents to keep up the momentum – which was more than a little gruelling!” Ian’s stories are packed with mystery and adventure, sometimes capturing
aspects of his own colourful life. Some of his exotic tales have a flavour of Africa, where he spent ten years, having been asked to establish and run the first university in Malawi. In The Bicycle, a mysterious tale about a girl who attracts the eye of a painter, the inspiration was his own wife’s experience, in demand as a painter’s model, because of her long auburn hair. After fifty pieces of fantastic fiction, Ian has turned his short stories into a collection of Six Tall Tales, publishing six in a small paperback. It coincides
with his decision to take a break from the storytelling. “Well I’m not saying I won’t write anymore, but fifty is a bit of a landmark,” says Ian. “It gave me a real sense of achievement and it’s a fitting time to have a pause.” Ian completed his story–telling tour with a special reading of Dangerous Diamonds for residents at Cote Lane in April. With 44 stories still unpublished, who knows, it may be possible for Ian to attract an agent. In the meantime, residents can buy a copy of Six Tall Tales from Ian for just 50 pence.
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Making the most of life
he provision of high quality nursing care and the specialist care needed for people living with dementia is an integral part of each St Monica Trust retirement village. It’s enabling couples and individual residents to get the very most out of their lives, maintaining as much independence as possible, despite dealing with the difficulties of failing health.
The hope that, even if our circumstances change, we will be able to continue life amongst familiar faces, close to family and friends, in our existing community, is comforting for many people.
St Monica Trust resident Anne Smith has lived in Cote Lane for 18 years, first at Westfield House and then at St Monica Court before a bad fall brought her into the Garden House care home in June last year.
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Jean Tonkin (left) and Anne Smith enjoy the sunshine outside the Garden House Residents’ focus
“I am so lucky with my friends,” agrees Anne. “I can’t really go out these days so I value their support even more and it’s lovely that I am still close to everyone and they can continue to visit me.” Despite her difficulties Anne values her independence, especially being able to get herself out and about, around the acres of Cote Lane parkland and garden. “I try to get out into the garden at least once a day if the weather is clement,” says Anne. “It is absolutely the high point of my day, just to experience the seasons and the changes. There is something different every day. My favourite part is by the white gate where I can see out and over the Downs. There are snowdrops in the spring and tulips which make the approach delightful. If I’d had to move, it’s the thing I would have missed more than anything.” “Although I use a wheelchair, it was falling and breaking my fingers that I found most debilitating,” admits Anne. “It means I can’t do the simple things like doing up buttons. I do try to do as much as I can for myself, but I need a lot of care and people on hand to help me.” Anne lived locally before moving to St Monica Trust, so being able to stay at Cote Lane at the point when she needed more nursing care has been really important to her. It means that in addition to new friends made at the St Monica Trust, Anne can easily stay in touch with her friends elsewhere in Westbury-on-Trym.
Jean Tonkin lives at Cote Lane’s Westfield House, her husband Stephen just a stroll away in the Garden House. Stephen developed a condition that has caused a slow and creeping paralysis, diagnosed some 20 years ago and he moved into a nursing care environment with the Trust in 1996. Since Jean moved to the St Monica Trust in 2006, the two have been able to share much more time together. Says Jean, “Being so close and with all the support Stephen needs at hand, we have been able to do so much more. I’ve been able to share Stephen’s life,
enjoying the many musical events at Cote Lane and Stephen has been able to take part in mine. Quite often it’s the little things that make all the difference, like being able to bring Stephen over to join me for supper, with all our furniture and our familiar things around us. It’s being able to share my life with Stephen, but still being able to live independently and make the most of mine.” Jean recently celebrated a significant birthday, another happily shared family occasion which she organised at the Trust. “We had the most delicious lunch with family on the Mezzanine in Oatley House. Stephen was able to join us, supported by his key worker. We followed lunch with a special tea for friends, this time held in the lounge in the Garden House.” Last autumn the two joined with other Garden House residents on a trip to the ‘Weston Wheel’. “It wasn’t quite the London Eye trip that Stephen and his cohorts had originally been hoping for but I think that was always going to be a bit ambitious,” laughs Jean. “In the end we had the most brilliant trip, with so many happy moments. Looking down from the top of the wheel was in every way a high point. We’re looking forward to a return visit. “Life doesn’t always work out the way you planned, but living here, in a way that I can make the most of my life and we really can spend quality time together, I know I’m very fortunate.”
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From left to right, Denise Williams, Marian Scrivens, Sister Elizabeth-Ann Llewellin, May Rees, Joyce Smith and Julie Sach. Below: Marian with her lace.
a new hobby. It’s something she first took up after retirement at the age of 62. Her contribution includes pink lace blossom on the spring pear tree, lace balloons floating through the sky in summer, autumn’s Virginia Creeper and winter’s snowflakes, as well as the commemorative wording that forms a central part of the piece.
A fine piece of work A wall-hanging produced by residents to commemorate the official opening of Monica Wills House will be aiming for national recognition this summer, entered in a competition that celebrates lace making. onica Wills House residents Sister Elizabeth-Ann Llewellin, Joyce Smith, Marian Scrivens and May Rees have been working together for 12 months to produce the wall-hanging, combining patchwork, embroidery and hand-made lace.
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Divided into four sections, each one portraying one of the four seasons, the hand stitched frieze also depicts notable Bristol landmarks, Cabot Tower, the Wills Memorial Building, Temple Meads Station and the Suspension Bridge. The project represents hundreds of hours of careful work by the ladies, working together in their Wednesday morning craft session as well individually in their own homes. On a patchwork
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background designed by Elizabeth-Ann and Denise, there is Joyce’s intricate blackwork embroidery, notably on the buildings, and the whole piece is decorated with Marian’s very fine hand-made lace. A motif based on the St Monica Trust sundial is at the heart of the design, created in patchwork, again by Elizabeth-Ann. The four were helped and inspired by teacher Denise Williams, who came to work with the ladies once a week. “As well as her fantastic encouragement, Denise was able to show us some more modern ways of doing things, but we were able to share a few traditional tricks of the trade with her as well,” laughs Joyce. For Marian Scrivens, making lace is not
“The lacework for this project has probably taken me around 250 hours, which is no small feat but it’s very satisfying,” admits Marian, who has since been working on communion cloths for Sandford Station and Westbury Fields, having already completed one for Monica Wills House. The wall-hanging, currently in the atrium at Monica Wills House, will be heading off to Birmingham in June as a possible contender in the John Bull Trophy, a competition organised by the Lace Guild. Meanwhile the ladies are far from idle, now working on a patchwork quilt which when finished, will help raise funds for charity in the Christmas raffle.
Scaling up for a community choir ote Lane residents, staff and volunteers have come together at the start of a new venture, a first St Monica Trust community choir, open to all comers. Leading the choir is Nicola Ramsden, who brings a wealth of choral experience to the project, a regular singer with local community choirs including the popular Gasworks Choir.
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Some twenty residents and a handful of staff attended the first few sessions at the end of April, where they mastered three part harmonies on
a repertoire that ranged from an African lullaby to ‘The Drunken Sailor’. Annette Griffiths, who works in the St Monica Trust Finance Department was
one of the members of staff on the team. Says Annette, “Not only is the choir an opportunity for a great singsong but it’s also a lovely relaxed way for residents to
Easy peasy lemon squeazy Just popped under the grill with a shake of salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon, fish is a quick, easy and satisfying meal. And it’s super nutritious. It's low in fat and high in many good things including iron, vitamins and omega3 fatty acids, said to be good for the brain and the nervous system. Most varieties have as much protein as meat, that’s about 20%, but without the carbohydrates and fat, so substituting fish for meat a couple of times a week is a really healthy option.
get to know a few of us who work behind the scenes.” The choir meets every Tuesday between 5.00 and 6.00 pm in the Main Hall at Cote Lane. All welcome.
Recipes
Even just eating fish once a week is said to have dramatic health benefits. One study indicates that just one serving of salmon per week can cut the risk of heart attack by half. While it’s quick and easy to fry or poach your pollock in a pan, St Monica Trust’s Gary Brailsford likes his fish to be a little more exotic, but just as straightforward. He shares his extra-simple and ultra-delicious recipe for a quick cod in tomato sauce.
Cod Loin in a tom ato and coriander sauce You’ll need: 4-5 oz per portion of Cod loin (skinless) One tin of chopped tomatoes Two tablespoons of tomato puree One onion (finely chopped) Half a garlic clove Two tablespoons of olive oil Two teaspoons of chopped Coriander 3/4 pint of vegetable stock 1 oz of sugar One glass of red wine
Gently sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil in a medium frying pan for five minutes on a low heat so they don’t colour. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, wine and stock. Simmer for ten to fifteen minutes and you’re nearly done. Taste for seasoning and add the sugar. Next simply pop the cod loins into the sauce and simmer with the lid on for approximately six minutes. (I’ve chosen cod here, but if it gets a bit pricey, really you could use any firm white fish such as hake
or pollock.) Turn the cod loin over and simmer for a further six minutes. Once cooked, sprinkle over the chopped coriander. Delicious served simply with new potatoes and maybe a roasted vegetable medley.
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News from… St Monica Trust Branching out ollowing years of discussion with the Charity Commission, previous restrictions on the entry criteria for the St Monica Trust’s Cote Lane site have been removed, making the care and accommodation provided at Cote Lane open to all.
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The St Monica Trust is a charitable organisation originally established as a Christian Anglican foundation in 1919 by Henry Herbert and Mary Monica Wills. As such, its original Trust deed,
covering the Cote Lane site, required all residents to be baptised members of the Anglican or other Christian Protestant denominations, entry criteria which did not apply to other St Monica Trust facilities. The change enables the Trust to welcome residents from a wide range of backgrounds and traditions to Cote Lane, where the role of the Chaplain and the Pastoral Care team will remain unchanged and there will be no reduction in the provision of chapel
worship, discussion groups or other services on the site. Says head of care, Zara Ross, “The St Monica Trust values its Anglican foundation, roots which carry many significant, positive values to which the Trust continues to aspire. “In all the work we do today, we still remember the motivation of our founders: compassion and concern for individuals in need; a desire to give those they helped a sense of dignity and respect and the very best, holistic care. “The Trust’s Christian Anglican foundation,
emphasised respect for each individual’s dignity and personal choice, principles that are fully compatible with our focus on providing well-being. These values of our founders translate into the ‘person-centred’ care and support we deliver today. “Our experience from other sites is that diversity enriches our lives together. Therefore, in embracing this change, we hope all who live in the Trust’s accommodation will respect our Christian, and particularly Anglican foundation, and share our mission to promote well-being for all those whom we support.”
In a new initiative launched in April, Bristol City Council is supplying the site with a dedicated outside food waste bin. It means residents and staff can make their own choice about whether their unwanted food takes up valuable space rotting in landfill or is instead heated, sterilised and returned to the land as compost, possibly helping to grow more food.
We’re scrapping food waste Residents at Monica Wills House are being encouraged to save their scraps in support of the first St Monica Trust scheme to promote food waste recycling.
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Explains sustainability co-ordinator Carrianne Freeman, “We know it will take a little bit of effort for residents to take their food caddies to the car park, so we’re hoping, as so often happens, that residents will support each other to participate in the scheme. If they do, it’ll definitely be good for the planet but it could also be quite refreshing not to have smelly food waste hanging around in our kitchen bins.”
Exercising sheep in defence of public land The St Monica Trust will play its part in maintaining Bristol’s open spaces in June, exercising its rights as ‘Commoners’ by grazing sheep on the grass growing outside Head Office in Durdham Downs. Through its Cote Lane site, the St Monica Trust is one of nineteen ‘Durdham Downs Commoners’, created by an 1861 Act of Parliament which, at the same time as securing the right for the Trust to graze 120 sheep, delivers unrestricted access for everyone to the Clifton and Durdham Downs.
ndy Bott is retiring from the St Monica Trust after a lifetime tending the plants and gardens both at Cote Lane and then Westbury Fields, where he’ll still be a familiar face, living in the Westbury Fields community as a resident.
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Prince Philip and another by the Duchess of Gloucester. He’s seen the gardens and the Trust grow through the opening of the Garden House, built where the greenhouse used to be, Westfield House, Westbury Fields, Bedminster and latterly Sandford Station.
“The Act was designed to protect the area outside the Trust from encroachment by speculative local businesses, residents and property developers,” explains Cote Lane operations manager, Shelley Bailey. “It’s interesting to realise that 150 years ago, people in Bristol shared the same concerns about developing open land that many of us do today.”
Armed with his wheelbarrow, a spade, his radio and the occasional cigarette, Andy has worked for the St Monica Trust longer than anyone, a record 38 years, and right from the very first day, he remembers every little detail.
Says Andy, “My favourite spot is the garden round the Cote Lane conservatory which was opened at the same time as I celebrated by 25th year. I dug the lawn all around it to prepare the ground for what are now flower beds and gardens. Fortunately for me, I really like a bit of digging!
The act of 1861 provided protection for the whole area as a place of public recreation, but it’s only by grazing their sheep every 10 or 20 years that the ‘Commoners’ make sure of an absolute right to keep all 122 acres as ‘common land.’
“It’s lovely to wander round the garden and see things growing and know that you’ve been part of making it happen. In the spring, down by the gate there’s a lovely display of snowdrops that we planted 34 years ago.”
Children from nearby schools will be on hand at 2pm on the afternoon of June 29th to help graze a small handful of sheep. Organisers will be hoping to avoid a rerun of several years ago when several sheep exercised their own rights to liberty, resulting in a high speed chase before they were recaptured and returned to their pen.
Record retirement for Andy
“Back in the 1970s we produced a regular supply of fresh produce for residents and I remember taking out soil for the melons we grew in the greenhouse,” recalls Andy. “We grew all sorts, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbages, sprouts and broccoli, as well as plenty of fruit. We also had beds of delphiniums and chrysanthemums, keeping a supply of fresh flowers for the inside the home.” Over the decades, Andy has kept the very best company, attending numerous royal visits, two by Princess Anne, two by
Although he’s retiring, Andy won’t be far from our thoughts or his friends or indeed giving up his digging. He’s planning to start straightaway on the garden by his new home at Westbury Fields.
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The people person
Staff Profile
Julie Haydon is firmly focused on mastering the three 'R's, the right people, in the right place, at the right time. ead of human resources, she’s had a busy twelve months overseeing the Trust’s recruitment drive at a time when staff numbers have grown by almost 25%.
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Together with her team, she’s been at the heart of refreshing recruitment campaigns, bringing in a new team at Sandford and supporting the innovative way that staff have been selected to deliver dementia care at The Russets, where the emphasis has been on temperament, flexibility and attitude as much as on professional qualifications. Says Julie, “How effectively we recruit is hugely important in an expanding organisation, both to fill new jobs but also to ensure we continue to have the very best people supporting us right across the organisation. “There are some key challenges for staffing over the next ten years when, let’s face it none of us are getting any younger. Amongst our existing staff group, over a third of us are already over 50. “Nationally only 12% of younger people work in the care sector. The under 25s are the smallest group. There’s a lot to be done to educate young people about the opportunities available in the care sector and the very positive aspects of care as a career.” To be successful, Julie needs to make sure the Trust attracts people from both ends of the age scale, understanding their individual needs and ambitions. Adds Julie, “We need to find ways to link with younger people. It’s good to see the fantastic work being done by
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our Care Ambassadors, promoting what we do, to students in schools and colleges.” Julie hopes to introduce apprenticeships for young people wanting to develop their skills in health and social care. Just as important as recruitment is staff retention and helping managers to work effectively with the people they manage. To achieve this Julie and her team are developing the role within the Trust. Their aim is to support managers in their day to day operations, offering expertise particularly in relation to the people management aspect of their role. “HR is about people, not paper,” adds Julie. “By introducing new systems, cutting down administration and working closely alongside management teams, we hope to add more value to what we can do for the whole organisation. Within our industry, staff are our biggest asset, so the way we attract and nurture our people is crucial to the high quality services that we deliver.” After 15 years in the NHS, Julie brings a healthy sense of perspective to her role at the Trust. She says, “I know we need to be competitive, so I know it’s important to keep reappraising the total benefits package we offer, finding ways to keep it as good, if not better, than anything else in our sector. “Having left the NHS, I haven’t looked back. St Monica Trust has an amazing staff team of which I am proud to be part – the level of commitment I see amongst staff is incredible. I love the pace of change here and the fact that there is constant progression. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead!”
IN THE HOT SEAT Engage talks to Gillian Camm, a trustee since 2003. A former director of Clerical Medical Investment Group, one of the biggest employers in Bristol and the south west, Gillian is a specialist in Change Management, which means helping organisations successfully implement their strategy through their people. As such she makes an important contribution as Chair of the St Monica Trust Human Resources Committee. She also has active roles on the Finance Committee and the Trustee Nominations Committee. She is a member of the General Medical Council, a director of a construction company and, in whatever spare time she still has, is Mum to two teenage children.
What is the most important thing about being a trustee? I think it’s primarily being able to give additional support to the management team, whenever or wherever it’s needed. We all try to bring a different perspective, creating new opportunities for development and learning. We are also responsible for ensuring that the organisation is doing what it says its going to do, and continues in the right direction. What three things attracted you to the St Monica Trust? Definitely the values of the organisation; treating older people with dignity is hugely important. The Trust is well regarded as an organisation with an excellent reputation. Perhaps what makes it so special is that St Monica Trust does things differently. Facilities like Sandford Station, Westbury Fields and Monica Wills House have really broken the mould, setting many new and excellent standards for retirement accommodation and care. Where do you feel you have made the most significant contribution? So far I think it’s been in looking at how trustees themselves do their work of being a trustee. We’ve been challenging the Council to find ways of becoming even more effective. It’s important that
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the trustees, just like any other member of the team, have a quality process for evaluation to see whether or not they are doing a good job. I’ve enjoyed setting up that process which I know will have ongoing value for the organisation. What positive impact do you think you can bring to staff at SMT? By supporting measures that ensure the Trust remains an attractive place to work. This includes the way the organisation treats staff, listens and acts upon their views and opinions and also provides the very best opportunities for training and self development. These are objectives we monitor all the time. It’s gratifying to get good feedback. In the 2009 staff survey, 92% of those who responded said they would recommend working for this organisation to others. Staff views really do count and we do act on them. What do you feel presents the most exciting opportunity for the Trust in the future? Sandford and the development of our services to support people living with dementia. It’s a very exciting area and, once again, presents an important opportunity for the Trust to break new ground and develop something immensely valuable and completely innovative.
Forthcoming FREE events in and around Bristol 31st May Sum m er Craft Fair A shton Court Estate A variety of activities in the Stables Block and Courtyard 10.00am - 4.00pm. 12th - 13th June T he Bristol Festival of Nature The UK’s largest celebration of the natural world, will give wildlife enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to explore, enjoy and get close to the natural world. Includes a free Imax filming at Blue Reef. Miranda Krestovnikoff from BBC Coast is part of the talks programme line up. Bristol Harbourside 0117 930 4926. 14th July Sum m er W alk Celebrating 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, led by Rupert Higgins to illustrate the variety of plants and animals on our own doorstep. Lamplighter’s Marsh, Station Road, Shirehampton 6.45pm - 8.00pm. Book in advance on 0117 922 3571. August Lunchtim e concerts Bristol Cathedral Including the Yeovil Brass Band, young soprano Josephine Goddard and an all male choir from Tokyo’s Hitotsubashi University. Tuesdays at 1.15pm throughout August. Admission free with retiring collection. 0117 926 4879 or www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk