Posted on Monday 15th July 2019
Attendees of the Dignity in Care Awards at Newcastle College
Fiona Pattyson-Johnson from Stafford is celebrating after being crowned as Dignity Champion at the Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards.
Fiona was one of over twenty carers and care organisations from across the county who received an award at the event held at Newcastle College of Performing Arts. Winners were joined by family members, community groups and care organisations. The Staffordshire County Council awards recognise care services and individuals who ensure people in care are treated with dignity and respect. Fiona, who cares for Timothy Tooley, a young man with Down’s Syndrome said:
“I was overwhelmed to take the top award. I love my job and it gives me so much pleasure each day to see Tim achieve his wishes and learn new things each week. His smile makes the day worthwhile. “I would also like to congratulate all those who were nominated and also acknowledge the many dedicated people and teams who work in care in Staffordshire who everyday are making a difference to so many."
Tim lives in Stafford with his sister Fiona who nominated Ms Pattyson-Johnson for the Dignity Champion Award. Tim said:
"Two years ago Fiona came to help me and support me in my wishes and goals. She has seen me through very sad times and I have been able to get back to enjoying lots of activities including woodwork, painting and other activities of everyday life that some take for granted and where I need extra help and support.”
Irene Cooper from BlueBird Care and Diane Redfern from Horninglow Bungalows in Burton were Highly Commended in the Dignity Champion category. Alan White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing said:
“Once again it is great to see such a range of carers being recognised, from those working in large carer organisations to those in specialist care homes and especially those looking after family members and relatives. “One thing all these people have in common is that they put dignity at the heart of everything they do. That’s why we host our awards which gives us the chance to celebrate this and thank them for the great work they do and the difference they make to people’s lives. I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the winners and runners up and to everyone who puts dignity at the centre of everything they do.”
The awards were presented by guests including Jan Burns MBE The National Dignity Council Chair.
Other winners include Gareth West who was highly commended in the Informal Carer category while Timothy Eccleston on a placement at Davlyn House won the Learner/student Award.
Young Dignity Champion which recognises outstanding individuals who act as an example to others went to Rebecca Teesdale, from Hoarcross Nursing Home with Megan Clarke from Stafford College being Highly Commended.
The Leadership Award went to Ron and Julie Jeffries from Allan House in Blythe Bridge with Trish Jones from Grace Care Group being Highly Commended.
Community Award for maintaining dignity by ensuring that people are active members of their local community went to joint winners Karen Fidgett from Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Village Choir in Brindley Ford, with YMCA Burton being Highly Commended.
The Outstanding Achievement / Contribution Award went to Diane Wallace from Choices Housing in Stafford, while John Turner was highly commended.
John Henderson CB, Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council also presented a special Life Time Achievement Award to Joanne Thompson from The Manor House in Tamworth.
Special thanks also went out to event sponsors, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Cream Health and Social Care, Energy Assets, Jessop, Alton Towers, Argos, The Retreat, Dorothy Clive, CM, Telford Hotel and Golf Resort, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, The Coop, New Vic Theatre, Amerton Farm, Port Vale FC, Planters Garden Centre & Skytrail, Tamworth Snowdome, Yarnfield Park, Daytona Motorsport, The Red Carpet Cinema and Clarins.