Carer of the Year nominee – Sue Knipe
Carer of the Year nominee – Sue Knipe
The first ever member of staff at a North Staffordshire nursing home is now in her 39th year of offering care and support to residents and fellow staff.
Sue Knipe has worked at Bradwell Hall Nursing Home since the doors first opened – indeed she was the very first member of staff through those doors when it opened with just one resident and has been ever-present for decades!
Living just down the road from the nursing home, Sue started her career as a care assistant and has held a number of positions before her role as a trainer.
Now aged 73, Sue has helped hundreds of residents as well as training many carers. She has been instrumental in shaping the quality of care delivered to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Sue has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Her nominator said: “Sue is a true diamond who is loved by all and who is caring, honest, reliable and a friend to everyone she meets. Sue has left made a lasting impression on so many people that have come into contact with her at the nursing home.”
Sue said: “I absolutely love my job and although I now only do one day per week, I love that day. I have four children and when I left my previous job, I was looking for a new challenge, one where I could keep putting others first.
“I train our staff in areas such as moving and handling techniques and safeguarding, which helps to ensure that they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to our residents.
“The role has always been a labour of love and gives me huge satisfaction as it has a real sense of purpose and impact. I love building up friendships with so many people.
“There is great satisfaction in seeing staff grow in confidence, knowing that this directly improves residents’ wellbeing and lives. It really has been a hugely rewarding and fulfilling part of my life.”