Three Oxfordshire Care Workers have received recognition for a combined 90 years of service caring for Oxfordshire’s older people.

The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), the UK’s second largest not for profit care home provider, held the 2009 Oxfordshire Awards Ceremony for staff from its 17 homes across the county at The Kings Centre, Osney Mead on 24 September.

Gertrude Williams, Pauline Gill and Janet Edwards, who work in Oxford, received long-service awards for their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm to the care of older people.

Night Care Assistant, Gertrude Williams, from Longlands in Blackbird Leys, was recognised for 40 years of service. Gertrude is dedicated to helping Longlands’ residents on a domestic, social and emotional level and has made an outstanding contribution to the care of residents.

Pauline Gill, Care Leader from Marston Court in Marston received a 25 years long service award for her contribution to the caring profession. Pauline often goes that extra mile and continually ensures that residents have exciting and challenging activities to do in order to have the best quality of life in the home.

Housekeeper Janet Edwards also received a long-service award for 25 years. Based at Townsend House in Barton, Janet provides a first-class service to the residents ensuring the home is a warm, clean and welcoming place. She also plays a leading role in fundraising activities for the home.

Nine long-service awards for 25, 30, 35 and 40 years service to the Trust were also given to other OSJCT employees across Oxfordshire, totalling 265 years.

Certificates were presented to staff who achieved NVQs in Care, Housekeeping, Catering and Administration, as well as City and Guilds qualifications in Training Practice, Moving and Handling, Accounting and Supervisory Management.  The certificates were presented in front of Trustees, colleagues and family members.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nigel Reed, OSJCT’s Chief Executive, said: “The awards ceremony is an opportunity for colleagues, residents, friends and partners of OSJCT to come together to celebrate the hard work shown by our team and say a big thank you to all of our staff.

“We are extremely proud of the high standards of care we provide and recognise that this is down to the dedication shown by everyone who works in the Trust.”

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