St Helens Hall Care Home manager celebrates 15-year anniversary

Amanda Clark joined St Helens Hall Care home in 2008 as a senior care assistant before working her way up to become care manager in 2011 and then registered manager eight years ago.

Part of The Sandstone Care Group, St Helens Hall Care Home in Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath, provides a mix of residential care and specialist and complex nursing care.

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Amanda's tenure included guiding the home through the "most challenging times" of the Covid pandemic.  

To mark the occasion of her 15-year anniversary at the home, Steven Hamblett, operations director of Sandstone Care Group, presented Amanda with champagne and a bouquet of flowers at a surprise party.

Amanda being presented with flowers by Steve Hamblett (Image: Submitted)

He said: “Amanda manages the largest care home in our group which, of course, means it is the busiest. She always works with a good sense of humour and finds the time to spend with residents and staff.

“During the pandemic, she managed the home through the most challenging times while showing great leadership and selflessness as she supported her team, the residents and their families.

“She worked night and day alongside her team to ensure everyone received the support they needed. She truly is an inspiring leader and living proof of fantastic career development. We feel honoured to have Amanda in our management team.”

Amanda's 15-year anniversary was celebrated (Image: Submitted)

Amanda said: “I felt a calling to a career in care shortly after leaving school when my nan became unwell. I left the college where I was studying something else and instead started an apprenticeship in care.

“I love my job and working with the team at St Helens Hall to provide excellent care to our residents. When I started off, I never thought I would become a Registered Manager but I’m proud of what I have achieved.

“We have had quite a lot of special occasions during the time I have been here, including staff nominated for regional and national care awards and many residents turning hundred.

“The job is extremely rewarding and I enjoy making sure the residents are well cared for, happy and safe. My management style is to be as approachable as possible and I have a good relationship with all the staff."

St Helens Hall Care Home, on Elephant Lane (Image: Submitted)

Amanda added: “St Helens Hall Care Home is a special place, which is made even more so by everyone’s personalities. Covid was a difficult time but we all mucked in and supported each other, did what we could, and followed guidance to keep our residents safe.

“I’m so glad I was inspired to go into care by my nan. You need empathy, to be caring and lots of enthusiasm to provide great care and I feel just as passionate about it as a career today as when I first started out.”

St Helens Hall Care Manager Su Wood said: “Amanda is approachable, completely selfless and always puts people at ease. She is a great manager, can give directions and makes sure it is fair across the home.

“She’s also brilliant with our residents, and I often see their faces light up when she chats to them. I just love working with her.”