A COUNTY Durham care home manager has landed a national award after she was adjudged to have led with “innovative” skill.
Kinga Kowaliczek, from HC-One’s Greenways Court Care Home in Consett, was crowned the winner of The Care Home Registered Manager Award category at the National Great British Care Awards 2022, that took place at the ICC Birmingham at the end of last week.
The award evening was presented by the inspirational Kate Garraway, and paid tribute to the best of the best in social care, with over 1,100 people in attendance.
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Kinga progressed to the National Great British Care Awards following success at the North East version in November last year.
The National Great British Care Awards saw Kinga compete against all the other regional winners from across England, Scotland and Wales, with Kinga being selected as the very best of the best.
Mrs Kowaliczek said: “When it came to the presentation of my award category at the National Great British Care Awards, my heart was racing.
“When the presenter said my name, I could not believe it! It was amazing! I never thought that I would win! I love my job and this recognition means so much to me.
“I am so happy and grateful. It’s a huge honour. I will never forget the feeling of walking to the stage, just wonderful. Thank you.”
The judges of this category chose the County Durham manager as the winner, as they said: “Kinga is innovative in her approach; she has a good relationship with her team of Colleagues which enables a consistent approach to good support and care.
“She has shown that she works very closely with CQC and often seeks guidance, and the home has benefited with the additional relationship with the regulators.
“Her management style is approachable, adaptable, and transformational by ensuring a positive working environment and Colleagues development.
To add on to this achievement, Kinga has also recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the Care Home Worker of the Year Award Category at The Northern Echo Health and Care Awards taking place as a virtual online event on the evening of Thursday, April 28, when the winners will be announced.
James Tugendhat, HC-One’s chief executive officer, added: “Congratulations to Kinga - this is a tremendous achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her!
“Kinga’s success at this year’s prestigious National Great British Care Awards is a testament to the dedication she has shown to her Colleague and Residents, even in the most challenging of times.
“Kinga has truly gone above and beyond to provide the kindest care to Residents living in Greenways Court Care Home and support to colleagues, relatives and those within the local community, supporting our mission to be the first-choice care provider in each of the communities that we serve.”
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