Foxgrove and Maynell hero Winnie has a heart of gold

Healthcare Homes colleagues were delighted to get together at a company conference and awards last week to recognize staff and teams who work throughout our family of 48 homes and 11 homecare branches.

And whilst it was recognized that every health and social care employee is undoubtedly a hero, and every Healthcare Homes team was awarded an Inspirational Team of the Year Award, managers had also been asked to recommend individuals for the Hero Awards 2022.

Wauanita Murray, known as Winnie, who works as Deputy Manager at Foxgrove and Maynell House in Felixstowe, Suffolk, was one of 24 individuals honored with a Hero Award.

Her nomination states that Winnie has without a shadow of doubt gone way above the call of duty -especially in the last two years. She has covered whatever role or shift has needed her – care, kitchen, cleaning, admin – she will turn her hand to anything. She is famous with our residents for her ‘wee breakfast’ or superb Sunday lunch!

She is described as being dedicated, totally committed and completely selfless. She has boosted the morale of residents and will often be seen singing, dancing or sharing a joke with them – she has a knack of knowing when residents are down and will not leave them until they are settled. In turn, they adore Winnie – always wanting her to be a part of whatever they are doing.

Winnie always leads by example and her happy banter and infectious laugh can be heard across the homes. She really does light up the lives of everyone around her.

Winnie has a heart of gold; always goes the extra mile and has made a true difference to the lives of those around her throughout the pandemic.

Gordon Cochrane, chief executive officer, told the audience, “I’m delighted to say that we were inundated with nominations for people that managers wanted to be recognized as absolute stars, the backbones of our homes and branches, the heroes we simply cannot do without and Winnie is one of those heroes.”

Pip Rich