Experienced Registered Nurse, Sal Barton, has been appointed as Home Manager at Apple Trees, having previously worked at the Grantham Care centre during the pandemic as Head of Unit. The award winner has exciting plans for the 64-bed home, run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).
Sal said: “I’m thrilled to be working with such a dedicated, committed, and passionate team. After working here on an interim basis, it is wonderful to return.”
Sal joined the Trust in December 2016 as the Deputy Manager at Beckside nursing care home, one of 14 OSJCT homes in Lincolnshire. Over the last six years, Sal used her clinical knowledge and experience to support several OSJCT care homes, including Apple Trees.
During the pandemic Sal managed the Covid-19 Hospital Discharge Unit for which she was awarded a prestigious Covid-19 Campaign medal by the British Association of the Order of Malta (BASMOM), which cares for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Sal received her award at a special ceremony held at the Brompton Oratory in London in June 2022.
Sal said: “Working through the pandemic was emotional and I was honoured to receive this amazing medal which is proudly on show in my office.”
Earlier in her career, Sal worked as a staff nurse on local hospital wards, however moving to a social care allowed her to spend valuable, quality time with the residents she was supporting. This ensured that care was delivered to the highest standards and meet the expectations of residents and their family members.
Sal said: “It’s touching to be thanked by residents’ family members for the care we provide in an OSJCT home. I’m always grateful that they trust in me, and the team, to look after their loved one, especially at sensitive times, such as end of life. I feel proud and honoured to be involved in making a difference to someone’s life, whether that’s for a few weeks or a few years.”
Apple Trees is a purpose-built care home, which was opened in 2014 by The Duke of Gloucester to offer residential, reablement and dementia care across four designated households each with their own kitchen and lounges. Every bedroom has a modern en-suite. The care home is rated 9.7 out of 10 on the consumer rating website www.carehome.co.uk
The home has a good reputation for supporting the local community in the Grantham area and has recently been awarded a contract by Lincoln County Council to run a reablement programme for residents who do not need a clinical setting for their recovery. It supports the flow of patients from hospital, allowing them to be discharged after a hospital admission into a more homely environment before they are ready to return to their own home, or a long-term stay in a care home.
As the new Home Manager, Sal is prioritising meeting every employee and resident. She supports the team in running a varied programme of activities for residents, such as cooking classes and entertainment as well as trips out into the community. Sal is focussed on quality and community involvement ensuring people who use the service have the best possible experience. She is also recruiting more people to join this modern, well-run home. As Apple Trees caters for residents with dementia, the staffing ratio is high, at least one employee for every four residents, and all support workers are qualified to Level 2 or above.
To find out more about life at Apple Trees or make an enquiry visit Apple Trees | Care Home in Grantham | OSJCT
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