THE unsung heroes of Hampshire’s care industry descended on Winchester Guildhall for the 2018 Hampshire Care Awards.

The annual event, this year sponsored by Care Docs, was organised by Hampshire Care Association & Hampshire Domiciliary Care Providers and celebrated outstanding individuals and care providers of adult social care from across the county.

The evening kicked off with a drinks reception, sponsored by Omi, followed by a three-course meal before the award presentations got underway.

TV favourite, Fred Dinenage, took to the stage to host the award ceremony, assisted by HCA Chairman, Samir Patel and HDCP Chair, Lesley Packham.

The evening was then rounded off with fun in the photo booth, sponsored by Care Home Bed Finder and dancing into the night.

The nominating process took place a few months ago and then in October each category was blind judged (all names etc are removed to ensure the judges don’t know the identities of the nominees or providers to ensure complete impartiality) by a panel of the award’s sponsors.

Hampshire Care Association’s Event Manager, Sarah Sibley: ‘The Hampshire Care Awards are such an important event in the care calendar. There is so much excitement in the build-up and it’s always just such a fun and uplifting night. The quality and quantity of the nominations this year was higher than ever and I really don’t envy the judging panel having to choose just 3 finalists and a winner.’

Awards (sponsors name in brackets):

Residential Care Manager / Deputy of the Year (Real Recruitment Solutions)

Winner: Louisa Smigielska – Winton House, Stockbridge

Runners-up

• Kamala Limbu – Sutton Manor Nursing Home, Sutton Scotney

• Laura Christian – Forty4, New Milton

Residential Care Nurse / Carer of the Year (Platinum Care Solutions)

Winner: Andrea Muntean – Woodlands Ridge Nursing Home, Ashurst

Runners-up

• Lesley Henry – Deerhurst, New Milton

• Patricia Rawlings – Forty4, New Milton

Homecare Care Worker of the Year (Comax)

Winner: Danuta Starczewska – Crown Homecare (Hartley Wintney)

Runners-up

• Areerath Finney – Right at Home Mid Hampshire, Eastleigh

• Delaine Smith – Care Together Ltd, Bransgore

Residential Care Non-Care Employee of the Year (Everylife Technologies)

Winner: Helen Doherty – Beechcroft Manor Nursing Home, Gosport

Runners-up:

• Carol Jones – Hunters Lodge Care Home, Fareham

• Sharon Jermy – Northcott House, Gosport

Homecare Non-Care Employee of the Year I(Solved FM)

Winner: Louise Kelly – Right at Home Mid Hampshire, Eastleigh

Runners-up :

• Georgina Tuson – Caring Hands Domiciliary Services Ltd, Park Gate

• Kerry Metcalfe – Melody Care, Alton

Residential Care Chef / Cook of the Year (Harvest Fine Foods)

Winner: Bridget Cooke – Hunters Lodge Care Home, Fareham

Runners-up

• Jackie Young – Derriford House, Fleet

• Yvonne Sullivan – Mountwood Care Home, Andover

Residential Care Newcomer of the Year (Lester Aldridge)

Winner: Nicola Figgins – Forty4, New Milton

Runners-up:

• Charlene Rosewarne – East Hill House, Liss

• Daisy Wood – Willow Lodge, Emsworth

Homecare Newcomer of the Year (MyAko)

Winner: Ruby Harkin – Platinum Care Solutions, Portchester

Runners-up

• Carol Morris – Lapis Care, Shedfield

• Nidhi Sharma – Caring Hands Domiciliary Services Ltd, Park Gate

Residential Care / Nursing Home of the Year (Christie & Co)

Winner: Hollybank Rest Home, Botley

Runners up

• Hunters Lodge Care Home, Fareham

• Sutton Manor Nursing Home, Sutton Scotney

Homecare Provider of the Year (OnCare)

Winner: Crown Homecare, Hartley Wintney

• Caring Hands Domiciliary Services Ltd, Park Gate

• Care Together Limited, Bransgore

Residential Care Lifetime Achievement in Care (Germstar UK)

Diana Carter – High Hurlands Community Homes, Liphook

The Blue Rose Award (Hampshire Care Association)

The Team at Badgers Holt, Hythe