Healthcare Employer of the Year finalists

A spokesperson for the team said: “To be shortlisted for the Healthcare Employer Award this year is absolutely wonderful. It's the culmination and recognition of incredibly hard work and the timing of this could not be better. Spring has finally arrived and with it a little light at the end of the tunnel. Whilst the team are tired, they are very proud of the work they have done to keep everyone at Oxford Aunts so very safe.”

Oxford Aunts was nominated by staff member and head of business development & client services, Shila Odedra-Silvera, who said: “The support team has worked extra hours and pulled together to ensure care staff have everything they need, mentally and physically. Carers have benefited from regular wellbeing calls and webchats, a free Employee Assistance Programme, free exercise classes and a diet programme with Rosemary Conley. Monthly leadership coaching helps the office team develop a culture that recognises emotion in the workplace, builds relationships with an open, honest, challenging and supportive approach and encourages transparency. The support team has taken the emotional strain, worked extra hours and pulled together to ensure the care staff have everything they need, mentally and physically and our clients have been safe and happy. The team is stronger and healthier than ever."

City Adult Social Care in Oxford

A spokesperson for the team said: “The occupational therapists, social workers, coordinators, and administrators in the City team are thrilled to hear this news. When the crisis broke we knew we had to find a way to support and care for the residents of Oxford City. The team pulled out all their creative skills, they were flexible and adapted quickly. We worked hard and really appreciate this recognition.”

City Adult Social Care was nominated by staff member and occupational therapist Anne Armitage, who said: I nominated the team for the exceptional service that has been provided throughout the lockdown period. The management and senior staff have ensured close collaborative work with staff and clients, with remote supervision, staff meetings and training to ensure the needs of the team are met. Staff morale has been maintained at a good level throughout this time with close collaborative work and support. I work as an occupational therapist in the team, and the staff have adapted to remote assessments (where possible) and face to face assessments have continued for those that are vulnerable following robust Covid risk assessment. The level of service provided to clients has continued and with the team setting up urgent assessment when indicated assessing client with equipment/home adaptation needs and care needs."

The Close Care Home in Burcot

A spokesperson said: “The Close is so excited to be recognised by our local community in not one but two amazing categories at the inaugural Oxfordshire Health & Social Care Awards. The residents, the team and all stakeholders at The Close are beyond thrilled to see this nomination especially during the most challenging year ever.”

The care home was nominated by managing director Sanjay Dhrona, who said: “We received full outstanding from CQC, one of only nine homes in the whole UK to do so and we stayed amazingly safe during Covid-19 due to our proactive and very strict measures. Simply put The Close wishes to help change the sector and the paradigms that exist within care delivery by sharing their best practice: The Close Way. We are proud that our team all live and work The Close Way, caring for residents and delivering stunning quality of life full of dignity and choice.”