Kim Watson, Barty House’s very own quality & training co-ordinator, has been shortlisted for The Care Home Worker Award at this year’s Great British Care Awards.
She now faces a tough interview with the judging panel next month with the final results to be announced at a gala dinner in April 2021.
Kim has spent 21 years in the care industry, working day and night shifts and progressing to a senior care assistant. She spent a number of years at the RBLI’s Gavin Astor House, winning Employee of the Year across all the RBLI’s homes in 2015. Two years later, Kim joined Barty House as the quality and training co-ordinator. She has recently completed her NVQ Level 5 and is also a qualified ‘train the trainer’.
But, for Kim, her role doesn’t end there. “She literally helps out with everything, from supporting the care and nursing staff with residents, speaks to relatives regularly, takes her laptop home to work on the organising of rotas after her shift ends. She is basically my eyes and ears on the floor,” says home manager Gabriele Jerome. “I would say she goes way over and above her role and is a fantastic support to everyone throughout the home.”
During the Covid-19 lockdown in April and May Kim cancelled her annual leave to come into the home and help during the crisis, working long hours and putting Barty House first. One care assistant described her as “one of the hardest workers I know who makes me laugh on a daily basis!” while another colleague praised her for keeping rotas up to date and avoiding the need to bring in agency staff, for working shifts on the floor as a carer and doing additional hours to ensure the smooth running and effectiveness of the home.
Kim says: “I am a great believer in teamwork and that we are all equal and should help each other where we possibly can. I always do what I can to support the care staff because I know what a difficult and responsible job they all do.”
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