Ten care workers have received a prestigious award from the British branch of the world’s oldest order of chivalry, the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The Order of Malta’s St John’s Day ceremony, which was held at the Brompton Oratory in London on 24 June, was attended by over 380 people including Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, the Venerable Order of St. John and World Ambassadors.
Caroline Alford, Patsy Just and Jo Stait, who work for The Orders of St John Care Trust’s (OSJCT) care homes, received Silver Medals of Merit for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the care of elderly people.
Lincolnshire Care Services Coordinator Caroline Alford, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Trust and its residents, having dedicated over 17 years working for the OSJCT in its homes throughout the county.
Area Operations Manager Patsy Just, who is based in the Oxfordshire County office, was rewarded for her excellent contribution to the development and services of the Trust and care of its residents. She has devoted over 24 years working for the Trust.
Jo Stait, Gloucestershire Operations Manager, was rewarded with a Silver Medal in recognition of her devotion to the Trust’s homes, residents and staff over the past 15 years.
The remaining eight nominees were awarded with Bronze Medals of Merit to recognise their outstanding enthusiasm and dedication towards OSJCT, its care homes and residents.
Nigel Reed, OSJCT’s Chief Executive said: “The Order of Malta awards ceremony is a really significant event. Very few of these awards are given out each year so it’s a special opportunity for outstanding staff to be congratulated and rewarded for their efforts over and above their normal job parameters.
“The Trust is extremely proud of the high standards of care it provides and we recognise that it is important to acknowledge and reward the special efforts made by our staff. ”
The British Association of The Order of Malta was founded in 1875. A worldwide organisation dating from the eleventh century, the Order of Malta has 12,500 members, of whom around 500 belong to the British Association. Membership is by invitation only. The Order’s mission is to help those in need and OSJCT provides care for the elderly as part of this mission.
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Issued on behalf of The Orders of St John Care Trust by Lava. For further information contact Louise or Becky at Lava on 01522 842 800 / louise@lavapr.co.uk or becky@lavapr.co.uk
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Notes for Editors
Medal of Merit Winners:
Silver Medal of Merit
Caroline Alford, Care Services Co-ordinator, Lincolnshire
Patsy Just, Area Operations Manager- Residential Care, Oxfordshire
Jo Stait, County Operations Manager, Gloucestershire
Bronze Medal of Merit
Sue Dent, Head Chef, Hartsholme House, Lincolnshire
Graham Harris, Craftsman, Paternoster House, Gloucestershire
Julie Maddison, Care Leader, Castle View, Oxfordshire
Linda Rivers, Deputy Nurse Manager, The Coombs, Gloucestershire
Sylvia Roberts, Relief Carer, Ridgeway House, Wiltshire
Doreen Stamp, Laundry Assistant, St Wilfrid’s Priory, Arundel
Sidney Street, Volunteer, Westgate House, Oxfordshire
The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) was established in 1991. It is a not for profit charity sponsored by the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Venerable Order of St John. These two historic Orders have a long tradition of offering care and service and today provide the Trustees for OSJCT.
OSJCT’s core activity is providing care for older people of any background, irrespective of race or religion. Having started in Lincolnshire, running 16 former local authority care homes, the Trust now operates 74 homes, across four counties (16 in Lincolnshire, 20 in Wiltshire, 17 in Oxfordshire and 21 in Gloucestershire) and cares for some 3,250 residents.
The Trust is dedicated to delivering the highest quality, person centered care. Our broad range of services includes residential, nursing and dementia care. We also provide intermediate, respite and day care. Our ethos of care, which underpins all our activities, is based on our belief that all older people living in our care homes, should be given care, both material and spiritual, that suits their individual needs. We also believe that our residents and day care visitors should enjoy life in an atmosphere of warmth, harmony and understanding, being cared for by people who appreciate their need for privacy and who will respect their dignity and freedom of choice.
To that end, OSJCT is currently involved in an extensive development programme, working in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that our residents and staff can live and work in a modern environment and can benefit from the latest care aids, equipment and technology. We are also committed to providing the best possible training opportunities for our staff in terms of their career progression and personal development.
www.osjct.co.uk
