Care home housekeeper celebrates 25th work anniversary

A SURPRISE party was thrown for a care home housekeeper to celebrate her 25^th work anniversary – complete with a golden bin lid and toilet brush.

Lesley Russell began her career at The Oaks Care Home, in Blyth, Northumberland, in 1994 working in the kitchen.

Staff and residents organised a party to mark her quarter century of service, which included a specially made celebration cake and buffet.

A gold spray painted bin lid medal with the words “best scrubba”, alongside a golden toilet brush, were awarded to Lesley by her domestic team.

The home’s staff also bought her an engraved vase and a bouquet of flowers was presented by operations director Mandy Vernon and regional director Beth Stevenson, from the Hill Care Group, which operates The Oaks Care Home.

She said: “It was a lovely surprise. Thank you so much to everyone for the lovely flowers and gift.

“I obviously love my job. I think a lot of the home, the staff, the residents and the families. It is a big part of my life and hopefully will continue for a few more years.”

After starting in the home’s kitchen, Lesley now leads a team of housekeepers. She is also the infection control lead and attends regular meetings to pass on updates to staff.

She is also a fire warden, a trainer and a member of the enquiry team, helping to fill the home’s beds.

She organises a monthly activity for residents and regularly participates in other events when possible.

Ann Mielnik, home manager at The Oaks Care Home, said: “Lesley is a true diamond and an asset to the Oaks.

“We as a team also wanted to give her a token of her exceptional time here.  She deserves a medal and we are delighted to award the biggest one we could find.”