Elizabeth Magpantay – Clinical Lead

“I feel satisfaction in the kind of care that residents get here and the knowledge that their needs are being fully met.”

My name is Elizabeth and I have been a member of the Ashton Manor team for six years, after a brief absence I have returned to the home in my new role as Clinical Lead.

I have worked in the care industry for some time, working in both private and county council care homes over the years. Working in care is something I always wanted to do and am passionate about. I was originally a nurse by profession, through this I had the chance to work with the elderly in hospitals and within the local community. I find I get a lot of satisfaction in working with the elderly. My Mother is also now elderly, which is part of the driving force behind my desire to work in care.

Working in hospitals the turnover of patients is quick, there are new faces every few days. Here there is continuity, you get to see the progress and positive impact of your intervention with the residents. It also means I have the chance to develop close relationships with residents as well as their families. I find a lot more enjoyment working within the care industry.

I worked as a Registered Nurse at Ashton Manor for several years, after my recent return I have now taken on the role of Clinical Lead. I tried working in other homes and discovered that the support I get at Ashton Manor is much better than my experience anywhere else. I feel satisfaction in the kind of care that residents get here and the knowledge that their needs are being fully met. As a part of Beritaz Care, I feel you get a lot of support. Amongst the carers and all the staff there is a great culture of working hard and supporting each other. Everyone is aiming for the same thing, quality of care.

In my role of Clinical Lead I am involved in audits, medication management and supervising the care and nursing teams. In the absence of the home manager or deputy, I will also take on certain managerial tasks. People will direct questions to me, I will make decisions and deal with operational tasks, but I know that the home manager is always just a phone call away if I need support, even on her day off. Having previously worked in a nursing role in the home, I have a good knowledge of how everything operates. I have worked on both the day and night shifts so I have seen all elements of the home and understand what the staff are experiencing.

My favourite part of working at Ashton Manor has always been working on the floor. It’s where I get to work directly with the residents which I have always enjoyed, so I try to do it as much as possible. The paperwork may not be my favourite thing, but it’s an important part of the job and has to be done. I manage to find a balance between both aspects of the job.

I know I can always rely on the staff here. I don’t have to be chasing and checking on them, they know what they are doing and can be trusted to do their job. Staff are given a very robust induction when they join the team, they are taught to do things properly from day one. Everyone gets involved in all aspects of the home and we help each other out. A lot of the staff are trained in many different roles, everything from domestic, kitchen, laundry and care. This means we are never left with a shortage of skills, one department can ask staff from another to help out when needed. Everyone supports each other to get the job done.

In a care home setting there are always challenges and unpredictable things can happen, but here there is always someone to support you and to help problem solve. For me it feels like a safe place to work, knowing I have the support from my colleagues and from higher management.

My favourite memories are of times with the residents, you cannot help but become especially fond of certain residents. I have so many memories of funny stories and anecdotes shared with them. Here, I am able to really connect with the residents and get to know them. Back home I belonged to the Anglican church so know a lot of the hymns, I have special memories singing along to hymns with the residents here and sharing that experience with them.