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Vacancy: Staff Nurse in Omagh Care Homes

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The Springlawn Group of Care Homes is seeking to recruit a staff nurse in Omagh to lead care teams across their 4 care homes in the area. This is a full-time permanent position.

This position is suitable for overseas applicants who have passed the NMC’s CBT test of competence or have full registration with the NMC and can work 37.5 hours per week

About The Staff Nurse in Omagh Post

To support the Home Manager in providing leadership to the care team in a private residential nursing home with a positive caring outlook. Providing care services including;

  • administration of medication,
  • maintenance of patient’s records
  • liaising with families
  • dealing with professional visitors, for example, Social Workers or Doctors.

This post will have a key responsibility for the quality of nursing assessment, care planning and implementation. It also covers evaluation of care staff training. This is to ensure that at all times residents continue to receive an excellent standard of care.

The registered NMC staff nurse is required to perform all duties in accordance with the NMC register and RQIA guidelines.

The staff nurse is responsible for the promotion of teamwork within the Care Homes.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £15.00 to £18.00 /hour

Education:

  • Diploma of Higher Education (Preferred)

Licence:

  • NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) (Required)

Language:

  • English (Required)

About The Springlawn Group of Care Homes

The Springlawn Group of Nursing Homes was established in 1988. The vision was and remains to create a friendly, welcoming and person-centred environment, which makes residents feel at home at all times. The ultimate aim was to avoid having an institutional or clinical feel to the nursing homes. As a result, all of our homes boast beautifully kept bedrooms and living areas. They also include tidy, spacious exterior gardens and courtyards which are accessible to all residents. Our homes provide the highest standards of nursing and dementia care in a pleasant and welcoming environment.

The homes are:

Springlawn House, 44 Dromore Rd, Omagh BT78 1RB, a 36-bedroom nursing home which offers residential and full nursing care.

Hillcrest Nursing Home, 23b Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EL -which features 39 single en-suite bedrooms. This facility specialises in general nursing as well as dementia nursing. So, it has its own separate Dementia Residential Unit of 17 rooms on the ground floor.

Hillside Residential, 23a Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EL –  a specialist facility which focuses particularly on functionally mentally ill patients. It consists of 12 single rooms and care is provided by care assistants who encourage and promote the independence of all residents.

Hillview Lodge, 23 Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EL – a private nursing home with 20 en-suite rooms, 16 consisting of general nursing and 4 consisting of dementia nursing.

How to Apply for the Staff Nurse in Omagh Post

To enquire or to request a job application form, please call Sylvia at  02882251222  or email her at hr@springlawngroup.com   You can also download an application form here.

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Extra Christmas Visiting Hours at Springlawn House

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Visiting hours at Springlawn House have been increased for the Christmas period. The news was announced by manager, Clara Robinson, who said extra staff cover has made this possible.

“From now until Sunday 3rd January, visiting hours go up to four 30-minute slots per day,” says Clara. These slots are: 11am to 11.30am, 2pm to 2.30pm, 3pm to 3.30pm and 4pm to 4.30pm.

Clara adds that all visits still need to be booked in advance by emailing them on springlawn@hotmail.com or phoning  028 8224 4550.

Extended Visiting Hours

“We’re delighted to be able to extend visiting times so families can see more of their loved ones over Christmas. We are very grateful to our part-time and seasonal staff who have made this possible.”

“Management and staff at Springlawn House want to thank the families and the community for their ongoing support and understanding. We have been overwhelmed with all your kindness and encouragement to get us through this difficult time.”

Visiting Hours and Guidelines

Clara reminds everyone that Government guidelines restrict visitor numbers to one person per resident. “This is to minimise the risk of other households mixing when attending visits. Visits must be booked in advance to allow deep cleaning of the area used following each visit. Also, there will be no window visits  with downstairs residents.

“It is important to remember that all of our residents remain in the high-risk category from COVID 19.  This is due to age, and medical conditions, which is why visits are phased and strictly managed.” You can read the full Visitor Policy and Guide here.

Putting Residents First

“We understand the frustration and emotions over not being able to see your loved ones. However, be assured that we continue to strive to uphold our standards of care and keep them safe. This has been our number one priority from the beginning.”

Clara emphasises that despite how hard this has been, it has worked.  “Thankfully, no residents have been struck by the Covid infection here at Springlawn House since the pandemic began.”

Our Thanks to All the Families

“It has been a very difficult and challenging year. We have faced the threat of infection and the limitations of lockdowns and social distancing. However, as a team, we have embraced the changes we had to make and moved forward together.”

“We thank you for embracing those changes with us, and for supporting us and your loved ones.  We thank you for every card and gift, for every email and phonecall, for every photo and Facebook Like.”

“None of us knew in advance that we would have to adapt to pandemic restrictions with virtual visits and social media. But together with you, we’ve all done more than our best and succeeded in protecting your loved ones from Covid.”

“So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and much better 2021!”

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Springlawn House Launches #FindBrittney Campaign

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Springlawn House has launched a #FindBrittney campaign, to locate and thank a mystery pen pal from Texas. Brittney’s colourful, hand-crafted response to a pen pal appeal was a beautiful boost to residents, says Manager, Clara Robinson. Springlawn House is part of the Springlawn Group of Nursing Homes in Omagh.

“Last September we launched an initiative to find pen pals for residents because visits are limited during Covid-19,” says, Clara. “We were overwhelmed with heart-warming support from people hoping to virtually befriend our residents.”

Brittney’s Surprise Package from Texas

“One set of letters, however, came as a huge surprise to us all. The package was from Texas, in the USA. It contained nine personalised letters – one for each resident who featured in the pen pal campaign. Each letter was enclosed in a coloured envelope with beautiful hearts, feathers and butterfly decorations. But there was no surname or address.”

“All that is known of Brittney is that she is a stay-at-home mother from San Antonio, Texas,” says Clara. “She also described how she took careful steps for infection control by closing each letter with washi tape instead of sealing the envelopes by mouth.”

“Springlawn House has worked hard to successfully remain infection free throughout the pandemic, so we really appreciated this extra effort. Our staff have been dedicated to residents’ care and connections at this time of social distancing.”

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#FindBrittney Social Media Campaign

Clara says Brittney’s letters made such a positive impact on residents that her team would love to return the kindness. “Management at Springlawn House are so grateful for the correspondence that we are calling on the power of social media to help us #FindBrittney”.

“Brittney didn’t give a return address, but we would love to find her to send a Thank You parcel from us all. She said she didn’t expect a response back, she just wanted to send smiles. This lady had never made contact with the home before, so it was a real surprise.”

“Our Facebook post to #FindBrittney has been shared to almost 10,000 people so far, but we haven’t been able to find her yet. If we do, we’ll send her an Irish hamper packed with treats like Tayto crisps and Dairy Milk chocolate.”

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Springlawn House Residents Love New Pen Pals

“Residents have been talking about how nice and exciting it was to receive a letter from the US.” Some were amazed at how far away their letters had come from, she adds.

“The pen pal initiative has given everyone a lift at Springlawn House. Each resident taking part is now connected with a person who shares similar interests.

Ms Robinson says they have tried to make a positive out of the limited visiting hours that the pandemic has imposed. “It has given us a chance to build on our relationships because we have more one-to-one time with our clients. We get to sit down with them for longer and get to know more about their background.”

“I am so proud of my very strong work team. We have great support from the families, who trust in us to look after their family. They have been so understanding. And our Facebook Page has proved a great way to keep residents and families in touch, virtually.”

Clara says Springlawn House would like to thank anyone who has helped with the #FindBrittney campaign so far. She adds that they would love Brittney to get in touch with them at springlawn@hotmail.com .”

Find out more about Springlawn House by visiting the Springlawn Group  of Nursing Homes on Facebook or on the Springlawn House page of the group website.

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Carers and residents raise £615 for the Alzheimer’s Society

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During the coronavirus lockdown one of the employees of Springlawn House lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s. This personal tradgedy led her to start a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society. What began as a personal endevaour grew when the rest of the staff at Springlawn said they would like to be involved and then clients added their support.



Springlawn House staff and residents set off on a three mile walk on the 15th August, taking in the scenery off the backroads and returning to a celebratory BBQ at Springlawn House afterwards.

One of the carers, Seamus raised an impressive £200 on his own for this charity which is close to the hearts of everyone at Springlawn House.

 

Springlawn House would like to thank all the staff, residents, residents’ families and everyone in the community who so generously donated towards this wonderful cause. 




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Thumbs Up for Springlawn Safety and Residents Wellbeing

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Springlawn House is delighted with inspection findings that we prioritise safety compliance and resident’s wellbeing. Springlawn House manager Clara Robinson says she is very happy with the results of the unannounced RQIA inspection . The Department of Health entrusts RQIA (the Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority) to continue responding to ongoing areas of risk identified in care homes. So, this is why unannounced inspections are carried out, Clara explains.   

Springlawn House RQIA Report  

“We are both proud and relieved that we have had no Covid deaths in our homes and we’ve also had no symptomatic cases, from staff or clients.” 

“At Springlawn we have prioritised maintaining the highest safety standards to protect our residents. So, we are delighted that this work is recognised in the RQIA report.”  

The report also states that: “areas of good practice were found in relation to teamwork, staff support, feedback from patients and the pleasant atmosphere and ambience of the home.”  

Residents’ Experience  

The Inspector, Mr. John McAuley found that, “feedback from patients throughout this inspection was positive and complimentary in regard to their life in the home, their relationship with staff and the provision of meals.”  

Mr. McAuley’s report stated, “Staff interactions with patients were polite, friendly, warm and supportive. Patients were at ease in their environment and interactions with staff”  

“There was a pleasant atmosphere throughout the home, with patients enjoying chat with staff. Staff were attentive and patients’ expression of needs were promptly responded to by staff.”  

What Residents Say about Springlawn House  

We loved these comments from residents which were in the report: 

 “They (staff) are all too kind to me.”  

“I am very happy here. They (staff) couldn’t do enough for you. They (staff) are lovely and kind. The food is lovely too. I have no complaints.”  

“Everything is very good here.”  

“You won’t find much wrong with here. All is grand, as far as I can see.”  

“There’s a nice atmosphere here.”  

“All is very good here. I am very happy.”  

 Cleanliness and Safety at Springlawn House  

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 The report stressed the measures Springlawn has introduced to ensure patient and staff safety.   

“The environment was clean and tidy while staff demonstrated a good understanding of infection, prevention and control measures in place. Feedback from patients evidenced that they were very satisfied with the standard of care being provided.”  

“Staff were knowledgeable in relation to best practice guidance with regard to hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment; staff were also observed to wash their hands and use alcohol gels at appropriate times.”  

The report noted the safety measures Springlawn has put in place to deal with the pandemic. Including good signage outlining advice and information about COVID-19, adequate PPE and alcohol-based hand sanitisers.  

 “Laminated posters depicting the seven stages of handwashing were also displayed. The laundry department was tidy and well organised.”  

Patient-centred Safety Measures  

“Patients were all being cared for in their individual bedrooms and staff were knowledgeable of the need for social distancing and isolation of patients, when appropriate.”  

The report also found that staff had communicated the need for additional safety precautions to residents.  

“Discussions with some patients in relation to the enhanced IPC measures, confirmed that they understood and accepted the need for these.”  

A Homely Environment  

The report praised the cleanliness and comfort of Springlawn House.   

“The home was clean and tidy throughout; the décor and furnishings were also well maintained. Residents’ bedrooms were comfortable and personalised through individual choice. Bathrooms and toilet facilities were clean and hygienic. The grounds of the home were exceptionally well maintained.”  

“An activities co-ordinator facilitated a small group of patients in a game of bingo and later attended to other patients on a one to one basis.”  

Staff Satisfaction at Springlawn House 

Mr. McAuley found that staff on duty confirmed that they were satisfied with the staffing levels.   

“Staff spoke positively about their roles and duties, the provision of training, managerial support, teamwork and morale. Staff also stated that they felt patients received a good standard of care, were treated with respect and dignity.”  

The report noted that, “Throughout the inspection, patients within the home were attended to by staff in a prompt and respectful manner.”  

 “Patients stated that they felt safe and that there was always staff available if they required assistance.” 

For information or to make an appointment, please email  springlawn@hotmail.com  

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Omagh Care Homes Seek HR Officer

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PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION IS NOW FILLED

The Springlawn Group of Care Homes in Omagh is seeking to recruit a HR Officer. This is a permanent post and salary will depend on experience and will be discussed at interview stage.

HR Officer’s Role

The job of the HR Manager is to deliver and manage successful HR functions across the 4 homes in the Springlawn Group of Care Homes. This post is full time Monday to Friday. The successful applicant will be reporting to the Home Manager.

HR Officer’s Main Duties/Responsibilities:

  • All recruitment and selection duties to include advertising jobs, responding to enquiries, short-listing, co-ordinating the selection process in conjunction with home managers and drawing up job offers.
  • Administration of all HR-related documentation, such as offer letters, contracts of employment and updating personnel file.
  • Administrative responsibilities to complete all Access NI applications for new starts to the group.
  • Administrative responsibilities for obtaining references for new starts to the group.
  • Management of the induction process to ensure all new starts are integrated successfully into the company.
  • Management of the HR function including the maintenance of all fair employment monitoring information and accurate completion of annual returns.
  • Providing advice and guidance to managers and staff on employment legislation and employee relations matters as and when required.
  • Oversee time and attendance process, absence management and holiday management across the Springlawn Group.
  • Responsible for employee relations and engagement throughout the Springlawn Group.
  • Facilitate team meetings in partnership with home manager.
  • Complete employee appraisals in line with Homes policy.

Skills and Education

  • You will need a minimum of 1-year human resources experience.
  • Third level HR qualification and or CIPD qualification.
  • A comprehensive understanding of HR legislation.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills are key.
  • Excellent organisational and IT skills.
  • Confidently liaise with internal and external stakeholders to meet goals.
  • Strong self-critique skills and an ability to evaluate the success and impact of strategies.
  • Assertive confident individual with a sense of humour.

About Springlawn House

Springlawn House is 39-bedroom care home which offers full nursing care, according to our clients’ needs. We have respite and step-down facilities for our short-term care residents. Our highly qualified staff at Springlawn House have been providing care since establishment in 1990.

From the latest post-operative recovery facilities to compassionate end-of-life care and short-term respite care, we are equipped to look after individuals with wide-ranging needs. We’re in a great location close to local shops, cafes and amenities.

Further Information on HR Officer’s Post

For details and applications, please email hr@springlawngroup.com  or call 02882552666.

 

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