Get ready to mark your calendars for the grand event, set to take place at the iconic Titanic Building in Belfast on Thursday, November 30th, 2023.

As devoted members of the ihcp, both Optimum Care and MD Healthcare are honoured to be part of these prestigious awards, hosted by a recognised body representing those providing services for older people and vulnerable adults in Northern Ireland.

Let’s dive into the heart of the nominations!

First up is Angela Bingham, the unstoppable Activities Coordinator at Aughnacloy House. A finalist for the Backbone award, Angela’s 20+-year journey at Aughancloy House has been nothing short of extraordinary. From donning multiple hats, including Activities Coordinator, Kitchen Assistant, Visiting Champion, Residents Companion, and staff role model, Angela is the epitome of an advocate for both residents and staff.

Her commitment goes beyond the ordinary, as she plays a vital role in initiatives like the Falls Awareness Programme and asissts our care team with end-of-life care, she also spearheads celebrations in the home such as Care Home Open Week, Nursing Support Worker’s Day and linking the home with the local community including schools, youth groups and clubs keeping our residents a part of the community.

Angela’s exceptional efforts during the challenging times of COVID, with the Care Partners project, showcased her dedication to connecting residents with their loved ones in the safest possible ways. With over 120 Care Partners, Angela’s impact at Aughnacloy House is nothing short of remarkable.

Next on the list is Abbey View Care Home, a dynamic team led by Home Manager ,Georgeana Tarabuta. Shortlisted for the Nursing with Care award, Abbey View underwent a transformative journey under MD Healthcare’s wing. From facing closure and serious concerns to receiving an exceptional RQIA report after extensive renovations, the team at Abbey View have truly turned things around.

Their innovative step-down bed partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust launched in September 2018 not only demonstrates their commitment to quality care but also eases the burden on local hospitals helping to free up beds and provide a safe and effective reablement care service to patients discharged from hospital. The heartwarming feedback from a resident’s family member echoes the sentiment shared by many: “If I ever need care in a care home, I want to come to Abbey View.”

Last but certainly not least, our Northern Trust Rapid Response Team has been nominated for the Homecare Services award. Since 2018, our dedicated teams across our Coleraine and Newtownabbey offices in Optimum Care have been supporting hospitals within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust with safe and timely patient discharges for reablement care at home.

What sets them apart? A same-day referral system, a quick turnaround, and a commitment to providing care in rural areas where services are often lacking. Their impact is tangible, with over 4,158 service users cared for over 5 years, and an astounding 99% rating the service as excellent or very good.

To all three finalists, we extend a massive congratulations! Your unwavering dedication and commitment to the services and people you care for are truly exceptional. As the awards night approaches, we wish you the very best of luck—you are all winners in our eyes, no matter what!