A BOROUGH care expert is celebrating after having been recognised for her hard work, compassion and dedication in an important care award.
Angela McMillian, who works for Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell, beat hundreds of nominees to win Team Member of the Year Award at this year’s annual Bluebird Care Awards.
The awards saw more than 600 people bid for the top spot in each category, with entrants drawn from across The South East of England.
Angela is part of the team supporting people across the South East to stay safe and well in the comfort of their own homes, including with specialist dementia and live-in care.
The Team Member of the Year award goes to somebody who empowers their team to provide really excellent care.
Judges praised Angela for her ability to ‘really make things happen’ and for having made a real difference to the organisation.
Rebecca Hawkins, Managing Director of Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Windsor & Bracknell, said: “Angela epitomises the essence of an unsung hero within our team, consistently going above and beyond without seeking recognition.
“Her dedication and compassion are invaluable, as demonstrated last week when her vigilance led to saving a colleague’s life.
“Noticing a live-in carer acting unusually after a break, Angela took her to the hospital and stayed for nine hours to ensure proper care.
“Due to Angela’s insistence, the carer was admitted with dangerously low sodium levels and received critical treatment, staying in the hospital for five days.
“Angela’s character and commitment to others’ well-being shine through in all she does.
“She is a constant source of support and positivity, always ready to offer guidance and assistance.
“Her calm demeanor and ability to handle challenging situations, especially with aggressive customers, are remarkable.
“Angela patiently explains processes and solutions, ensuring everyone feels heard and supported.
“Despite her extraordinary contributions, she remains humble, viewing her exceptional efforts as just part of her everyday duties.
“Angela is not just a team member; she is the heart and soul of our team.”
Angela has been a member of the Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell team for seven years.
She marked the award with her manager Rebecca Hawkins at a celebratory lunch in London where everyone who was nominated came together to celebrate their contributions to care.
Angela will now progress to the grand finals of the Bluebird Care awards, in which the four regional winners will have the chance to win the overall annual award – being named the most outstanding individual from Bluebird Care’s 10,000 strong workforce right across the UK.
Her team will be cheering her on.
Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell is part of the national Bluebird Care network of 220 home care providers.
Based in Reading and Maidenhead they support 100 people across the local area each year to stay safe and well in the comfort of their own home.
Jonathan Gardner, CEO of Bluebird Care, said: “Angela really impressed us with her outstanding dedication, compassion, and drive for continuous learning and development.
“She is a credit to the care sector, and to Bluebird Care.
“These awards are incredibly special for shining a light on the often unsung heroes of our communities across the UK, who work day in, day out, to make the lives of others better.”
Reflecting on her award win, Angela said:
“I am overjoyed that I was nominated for Team Member of the Year Award,
“I know people always say I go above and beyond for our customers and carers, but I just care and will always help where I can.
“To me this is my job and my calling in life and I am proud to be a part of Bluebird Care because caring is what we do.”
For information, visit: www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/reading-wokingham
