Des Loo is the Manager at Woolston House, Exemplar Health Care’s newest complex care service in Warrington.
In this blog, we talk to Des about what it’s like to work at Woolston House and what sets the home apart from other care homes.
What drew you to Exemplar Health Care?
“The mission and values are what initially attracted me to the company.
“The mission at Exemplar Health Care is to make every day better for the people we support and our colleagues.
“It’s a company that places the individual needs of the people that are cared for, first. The people we support are living with complex care needs, but everything we do is personalised to each individual.
“The company values are fun, integrity, responsive, success and teamwork. I’m proud of the culture that we’re building at Woolston House based on these core values.”
What do you think sets Woolston House apart from other care homes?
“The home is supported by a highly skilled and committed team. We have a Nurse on every unit, a high staffing ratio of Health Care Assistants and an Activities Team.
“The home also has its own dedicated Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Support Team.
“The team has access to specialists such as a Behaviour Support Team, Consultant Psychiatrist, and a Speech and Language Therapist. They provide support to optimise the quality of life for residents at Woolston House, be it through therapy or by use of assisted technology.
“Each colleague plays a vital role in our mission to make 'every day better' for the people living at Woolston House.”
What does a role at Woolston House offer people?
“As the home is still developing, there are excellent opportunities for training and development.
“Whether you aspire to learn, develop or progress your skills in care, nursing, management or support, our 'Exemplar Health Care Academy' provides endless opportunities.
“We work with the best providers and universities, to equip our colleagues with the confidence, skills and knowledge to excel in their role and take their career to the next level.”
What would you say to people thinking about applying for a role at Woolston House?
“If you want to make a difference and improve the quality of life for our residents, then Woolston House is for you.
“Each role requires different skills and experience, but we look for people that have the same values.
“We have a wonderful team and culture at Woolston House - fun is our first value and it’s at the heart of everything we do.
“In the few months that we’ve been open we’ve already completed a 12-hour Danceathon, celebrated awareness days and raised money for charities, hosted fancy dress days, organised special lunches and baked lots of yummy treats.
“The location of the home provides opportunities for residents to engage with the local community. We’ve supported residents on trips to local farms, restaurants and pubs, someone recently took a trip to the Sea Life Centre, and we have many more planned.
“If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, apply for a role at Woolston House.
“I welcome you to take a look around the home and see for yourself the warm and inviting atmosphere.”
What do you have planned for the next six months at Woolston House?
“I have three objectives for 2024:
• Woolston House will continue to build a fun, friendly and committed team.
• I want Woolston House to establish positive relationships with the local community.
• I’m keen for us to become a big part of the local community through more trips out and hosting events in the home.
"I’m confident that we will earn a positive reputation if we continue to build upon the great work we’ve already started."
To apply for a job at Woolston House, visit our online job search to see our current vacancies.
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