St Faith’s became a registered nursing home in March 1974 and the first nursing home for our charity Lilian Faithfull Care. The home was officially opened by ‘His Grace the Duke of Beaufort’ and dedicated by the ‘Right Reverend Basil Guy, the Bishop of Gloucester.’
50 years later, the charity and St Faith’s team gathered to celebrate this milestone, recognising the staff, the achievements and shared their fond memories.
One thing that stands out over the 50 years is the stability of the home with a dedicated and long serving team. A third of staff are long standing, to name a few; Lead Nurse Pauline for 22 years, Home Manager Teresa for 23 years, receptionist Ellen for 30 years, and Carer Wendy Heeks with a grand 45 years!
Pictured is Carer Wendy Heeks of 45 years standing alongside Carer Wendy of 4 days. Two ladies with a different spectrum of experience, but both proudly provide great care and comfort to the residents.
Kevin, CEO of our charity began the party with, “People choose to come to St Faith’s because of its well-deserved reputation for high quality and compassionate care. The building itself is very beautiful, but it is the dedicated team that works there that makes such a difference to people’s lives. The long service of so many colleagues provides the stability and continuity of care that is so appreciated and is reflected in the glowing feedback that we get from grateful families so regularly.”
Today the original wards rooms are long gone, and the nursing home now has 58 ensuite rooms, with the latest equipment, specialised dementia care and a recently refurbed Fairhaven suite providing specialist end of life care.
Home Manager Teresa spoke at the party acknowledging her team, “It’s been a pleasure to work with everyone, some we’ve known for ever and to the new staff starting. We’ve got 50 years of stability and a core team of long serving staff who teach the next generation. I couldn’t be the manager without all of you here. Whatever your role is, whether you’re the handy man, domestic, nurse, carer, students, it’s you that do it. Thank you all.”
St Faith’s was beautifully decorated for the party with a delicious buffet and a celebratory cake baked for the occasion.
Suzanne the Director of Care, who has worked for the charity for nearly 30 years, remarked as she cut the cake.
“We all know what it is to be a team, and that’s the most important thing, we all work together and enjoy the residents we care for. We’ve looked after wonderful residents over the years – consultants, doctors, nurses, and our own staff. It’s a remarkable place to work. As Teresa and Kevin have said, it’s you that this place, it’s you that make it a happy place to come and live, and to die. Lots of past families are still in contact, they volunteer and talk very fondly of this place. Thank you everyone for everything you do, and let’s continue for another 50 years.”
A Lilian Faithfull Care home, St Faith’s remains true to Miss Lilian Mary Faithfull’s founding principles of the charity; “a desire to improve the lives of others through care and dedication.”
Take a read of our previous story of St Faith’s staff memories and our nurse led care today.
