Staff and residents at Rose Lodge care home, Newton Aycliffe, are celebrating after Senior Care Assistant Laura Gill was announced as a finalist in the 1st annual care awards.
Laura, 25, has worked at Rose Lodge for four years, starting as a Care Assistant before being promoted to Senior Care Assistant in 2013. Following nominations by colleagues, residents and families, Laura was shortlisted as one of the six finalists nationwide for the ‘End of Life Care’ category, an award for any member of staff who offers outstanding care.
Staff members, residents, families and visitors were encouraged to nominate staff members across nine award categories, intended to represent all areas across the business, from frontline staff such as the ‘Dignity in Care’ and ‘Most Innovative Activity Programme’ awards, through to ‘Behind the Scenes’ and ‘Head Office Hero’ awards for those who provide exceptional support to their colleagues.
This year marks the first ever annual awards held by Maria Mallaband Care Group and Countrywide Care Homes, created to acknowledge the efforts of staff and the impact they have on the lives of residents and their families. A staggering 2052 votes which equated to 495 nominees narrowed down to six finalists per category.
Finalists were invited to a gala evening on 28th May at the Royal Armouries, Leeds enjoying a drinks reception and dinner, followed by the awards presentation and entertainment.
The Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) and sister company Countrywide Care Homes are one of the country’s biggest independent providers of care for the elderly and mentally ill, along with luxurious close care apartments and retirement villas, gaining a reputation of innovation and excellence in these fields.
The group operates 70 homes across the UK and employs over 3,600 members of staff.

care home winner