HUNDREDS of votes have been cast to find the Best Tea Maker and Most Innovative staff member at a Teesside care home.
They were two of 20 awards categories for those working at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton-on-Tees.
Among the other categories included The Spirt Award, Most Valued Player (MVP), Going the Extra Mile and Marvellous Multitasker.
There was also several tongue-in-cheek awards, including for Personal Space Ignorer, which recognised the member of staff who “manages to stand, sit, lean or walk inappropriately close to fellow colleagues on a day to day basis.”
The It’s 5 O’Clock Award recognised the “staff member who is always watching the clock ready for the shift to finish.” And the Home Parent Award was for the “staff member that always remembers others’ important dates, forever bringing in cakes and treats”.
More than 300 votes were cast to find the winners – with residents, family members and visiting professionals all asked for their nominations.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Mayor Cllr Eileen Johnson attended a special ceremony to present the awards.
She said: “I really like The Beeches Care Home and have heard positive things about it, so I was more than happy to come and award the staff for their hard work and commitment. I’d also like to thank them for providing excellent care to the residents.”
Carer Catherine Briggs was moved to tears when she was announced as the winner of both the Marvellous Multitasker and Going the Extra Mile awards. She said: “I was really overcome with emotion and was it such a nice feeling.”
Care assistant Kendra John was awarded the Day Care Assistant of the Year award. She said: “I was shocked with my award. I’ve had such a lovely afternoon.”
As well as the awards ceremony, staff, residents and visitors were treated to milkshakes from nearby sweetshop Sugar & Spice.
Relative of resident Alwyn Behan, Melissa Harris also made cupcakes to thank staff for the care and support they provide, with flavours including chocolate orange, white chocolate and lemon drizzle.
Resident Mildred Slater said: “I did not expect such a great afternoon. It was marvellous seeing all the staff being recognised for the hard work. Well done to everyone.”
Jessica Brown, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, planned the awards alongside deputy manager Rachel Harris and administrator Debra Hall.
She said: “I chose to plan the awards as I think it is very important for staff to be recognised for their hard work and commitment to Hill Care and The Beeches Care Home.
“This has a really positive effect on staff performance, as it empowers them and increases staff morale, which is most important in providing an effective service.”