Lasswade care home practitioner up for National Care Award

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Drummond Grange Care Home in Lasswade are delighted that one of their care practitioners, Paul Black, has reached the final of the carer of the year category in the National Care Awards.

The awards ceremony takes place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on November 26.

Speaking about becoming an awards finalist, Paul said: “I was absolutely shell-shocked when I heard I had been short-listed, I had no idea I had been nominated.

"I feel very humbled to be a finalist and immensely grateful to have been nominated, it is lovely to be recognised for doing the job I love. I guess it means I must be doing something right! It is wonderful that people took the time to nominate me, I’m blown away.”

Drummond Grange care home care practitioner Paul Black.

Paul joined Barchester in 2013 as a care assistant and has worked his way up through the ranks to care practitioner.

He said he could never see himself doing anything other than working in care, he loves his job and working in a team, adding that coming to work each day is always a pleasure. Putting a smile on his residents’ faces is all the motivation Paul needs to be the best that he can be at his job and his residents love his passion and commitment.

General manager of Drummond Grange, Alina Brehar, commented: “We are so proud of Paul, we cannot think of anyone more deserving of the title of carer of the year.

"He is so committed to our residents and goes above and beyond every day to ensure they are living life to the max, even getting out his Elvis costume and giving them a song!

"He is a force of nature and the heart of our home, everyone loves him, he is so positive, passionate and caring, every day we all try to be a bit more Paul.”