Care Home News
Leicester care home staff will be 'all smiles'
14th January 2010
South Lodge staff prepared for their big launch evening by gathering for some drinks and a series of heart-felt speeches.
In the first, CEO Tom Newell (centre) offered three thank yous to the assembled staff - for being caring, for helping the care home get to this stage, and for their help in the future.
He said: "Thanks for being the kind of person who picks this line of work. The care of people isn't easy - it's something you do from the heart. We honour and respect that, and it's what's going to make this place special.
"Secondly, thanks for all the work that got us to this day. The effort to get this place looking beautiful and getting a team assembled is significant.
"Thirdly and most importantly, thanks for what's coming. The real work starts on the 20th when our first residents arrive. It will be hard and you will each have to face the challenges that every new community faces. I ask that you stick together and support each other.
"If you look at problems with a smile and say 'let's fix them together', then Signature South Lodge will be fine."
Chief Operations Officer John Billane (left) added: "It's all about team work and the people. The atmosphere when you did your 'speed dating' was fantastic. We want you to come to work and enjoy it. We have the privilege of coming into people's homes and we should do it with a smile."
And general manager Julie Preston (right) said: "I echo whole-heartedly what they have said. I have never come across a group of people who have known each other for such a short time but who get on so well."