Samantha Hansford

General Manager

A local resident of the Dorset area for over 20 years, I join this award-winning care home with a wealth of experience. Initially working within the hospitality sector, it was not until I entered the care industry as a Care Assistant in Weymouth in 1999 that I found my true passion for caring for others. On starting in social care, I immediately fell in love with the work and have not looked back since. Showing tremendous commitment and dedication, after just eight years I achieved the remarkable feat of being appointed to run my first care home.

I am eager that the team and I continue to deliver exceptional care to our residents. I always strive to make a difference in people’s lives and find it rewarding when I help somebody to live their best life. For me, this is what working in care has always been about, and I know that I can continue delivering this mission with the support of my wonderful new colleagues at Signature at Southbourne.

Michelle Harwood

Deputy Manager

I joined the team in May 2020 I am a Registered Mental Health nurse and have worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years.

I am extremely passionate about delivering exceptional person-centred care to our residents and helping them to maintain their independence is a hugely rewarding experience.

I enjoy working with the residents and their families and being part of the dedicated and experienced team who ensure that the specific needs of the residents are met daily.

Laura Morgan

Director of Community Relations

I joined Signature at Southbourne in April 2020 and feel very proud to be working here. The team we have in all departments are all working to provide the best care for all the residents.

My role is to be the first contact for all enquiries that come to the community. I am here to offer support and advice to possible residents and their families who are looking for the next step. I am able to show you the beautiful community we have here and the wonderful bistro, rooms and gardens.

I feel very passionate about my role and always want to be able to help and make a resident move in be as smooth as possible. To see that resident make new friends and really love where they live is so very rewarding.

In my spare time I co-run the Royal British Legion Band in Christchurch where I also play the saxophone, I very much look forward to having the band come along and play to our residents.  I look forward to welcoming you, and showing you around our beautiful community.

Lana Wright

Reminiscence Coordinator

I have been working for Signature at Southbourne since 2008 where I started off as a care assistant. I have worked hard to now become the reminiscence co-ordinator. My career in care started with a push from my Mum who worked as a carer in the community. I soon realised that this was the right career path for myself. I am passionate about delivering excellent care to all my residents. I have a fantastic team of care staff who everyday go above and beyond their roles to deliver outstanding care. I see the staff that I work with and residents as family.

Jane Lee-Cross

Activities and Volunteer Coordinator

There are so many different things that I enjoy about being part of our residents everyday life here. The smiles – the laughter – new interests and visiting old hobbies and pastimes – it is an amazing journey that I feel honoured to be on with our residents watching them grow in what they do in their day. Residents can live with anticipation of what the next day or event will bring. Signature is a place where you are encouraged to be yourself and to express yourself, whether it is joining the Rummikub group, a game of Boccia or just reading the paper over a coffee in the garden. We also understand the whole wellbeing of our residents is of utmost importance, and offer classes and groups for exercising the mind and body every day, if you want to give something a go, you can! There are very few jobs that offer the daily satisfaction and fulfilment that mine does. I wouldn’t swap it for anything!

Adam Sitarz

Dining Service Coordinator

I started working with Signature at Southbourne as a Catering Assistant in 2007. Since then I have taken on new tasks and responsibilities which lead to being promoted to current position of Dining Services Coordinator. I am responsible for all aspects of delivering nutritionally balanced meals, including special diets and dietary needs. It is very rewarding to see residents having a great dining experience, from the meal they have to the service they receive in restaurant style dining room. It motivates me and my fantastic team to provide the best possible service for them every day.

Wayne Pritchard

Head Housekeeper

In 2017, I made the very hard decision to quit my role in management where I had been for the past 20 years and venture down a completely new path where I had no experience whatsoever. Having just turned 40 and realised my core values and ethics had already changed for the better I felt it was time to give something back to the community.

I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I have made and have has such an awesome journey so far. No day is the same and what I have learnt is to slow down every now and again and really cherish each and every day.

Jackie Hymus

Business Office Coordinator

I joined the home towards the end of 2020 and really enjoy my role here – it is very diverse and no two days are the same. Prior to joining I worked as a Senior Administrator in another nursing home and have a long history of PA and administration work. I really enjoy meeting the residents and their families and getting to know everyone.

On a personal note I have lived in Christchurch for the past 20 years and continue to do so with my husband and two children. We love walking along the beach and visiting the local cafes for coffee and a naughty treat.

Kirsty Ellis

Lead Concierge

Having studied and worked in performing arts for 15 years in London, I also gained experience in the hospitality industry organising events in Mayfair before moving to Bournemouth to work in sales and team management. For 3 years I worked in domiciliary optical care travelling around care homes in the south coast. This taught me a better understanding in dementia and vulnerable people. I joined the Concierge team in 2013 and worked my way up to lead concierge.

I love my job, the staff and all the characters we have at Signature at Southbourne, (including the pets). I now look after a team of 7 concierge at Southbourne. Never a dull moment, we are the eyes, ears and heart of the community. The relationships I build with the residents and families are so special and I value listening and trying to solve any request or concerns they may have.