The Order of Malta awarded Bronze Medals of Merit to 24 OSJCT employees in a special ceremony this summer, in recognition of their exemplary service to social care. This prestigious accolade highlights the dedication and exceptional support these individuals have provided to the Trust and its residents.

The following employees received their Bronze Medals of Merit from H.E. The Grand Prior of England Fra’ Max Rumney and H.E. The President of the British Association, Lady Celestria Hales at a mass and investiture held on St John’s Day at The Brompton Oratory in London:

• June Brammer, Volunteer, Boultham Park
• Matthew Brett, IT Applications Support Lead
• Maggie Coleman, Area Operations Manager
• Vilma Collaku, Home Manager at Isis House
• Lynne Donaldson, Deputy Home Manager at Monkscroft Care Centre
• Sally House, Night Care Leader at Seymour House
• Jo Johnson, Home Manager at Boultham Park
• Natalie Leigh, Domiciliary Care Manager at Moorside Place & Orchard Meadows
• Samantha Lewis, Learning and Development Advisor
• Mugove Tobias Matonhodze, Home Manager at The Meadows
• Andrew Palmer, Finance Systems Support Officer
• Ivana Pavlova, Area Operations Manager
• Paula Sayer, Senior Learning and Development Advisor
• Emma Thompson, Regional Secretary
• Rachel Wasmuth, Payroll Manager

Employees who were unable to attend the ceremony in person but were also awarded Bronze Medals of Merit included:

• Brenda Broadberry, Care Leader at Foxby Court
• Debbie Chapman, Carer at Whitefriars
• Rebecca Deacon, Head of Care at Athelstan House
• Sian Dewhurst, Volunteering Development Manager
• Julie Klukowski, Senior Support Worker at Hayward Care Centre
• Violeta Kostova, Nurse at Paternoster
• Paula Robinson, Head Housekeeper at Hartsholme House
• Carol Smith, Volunteer, Paternoster House

Jacqueline Litwin, Learning and Development Advisor, was awarded a Silver Medal of Merit.

The Order of Malta is one of OSJCT’s sponsoring orders and has been dedicated to caring for those in need since the Middle Ages. To this today, the Order of Malta delivers medical, social and humanitarian projects in most countries around the world.

Photo: 

Back row: Emma Thompson, Lynne Donaldson, Samantha Lewis, Paula Sayer
Middle Row: Sally House, Ivana Pavlova, Mugove Tobias Matonhodze, Andrew Palmer, Natalie Leigh Front Row: June Brammer, Jo Johnson, Maggie Coleman, Vilma Collaku, Matthew Brett, Rachel Wasmuth

At the end of last week, Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, took the decision to issue the interim findings of the review into the CQC being carried out by Dr Penny Dash.

He did so because of the extent of the failings already identified, and to allow actions to improve the regulator to start straight away. These changes are much needed.

At OSJCT we want a strong and knowledgeable regulator. We have always operated transparently, and we look forward to seeing the improvements that have been promised. The responsibility for good care and transparency always lies with us as providers. Great care is what we endeavour to deliver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Whilst the CQC has not visited as regularly as we would expect, those who use and visit our services should be reassured that we have had recent CQC inspections as well as Local Authority quality reviews. We also have our own internal quality assurance team and robust processes to monitor the quality of our services.

We expect the CQC will improve dramatically now that focus has been applied by government, and we should see this as a very good thing for OSJCT, The Fremantle Trust, and Elmfield Care.

We can reassure those that live with us, and their loved ones, that their care is of the highest standard.

The Trust’s annual Trust in Bloom competition showcases and recognises the efforts of residents, team members and volunteers who work together throughout the year to plan and nurture garden areas in our care homes.

This year 55 Trust care homes are competing for the chance to become one of four divisional winners, and overall, Trust in Bloom 2024 winner. There are three judging rounds involving Senior Managers and OSJCT Trustees and the results are announced in late July.

The theme for Trust in Bloom 2024 is Vitality. Vitality is a state of aliveness, it refers to physical and mental energy, feeling strong and active.

Vitality in a care home is one of the most attractive features for prospective residents and their family members. Vitality can be demonstrated in many ways, including wildlife and growing gardens and community activities such as gardening events. It can also be evident in colour planting, wildlife and diversity, edible gardening, sensory elements, and interactive spaces. Trust in Bloom entries are asked to consider and amplify aspects of vitality in their garden plans. 

Thank you to our sponsors who have each donated prizes (worth £500) to be shared among divisional winners. Trusted Grounds Maintenance Contractors | Grounds Care Services (gcgrp.co.uk), Spa Gas | Mechanical Heating Systems & Commercial Plumbing, UK Landscapes | Commercial Landscaping Services

Care homes also choose which of the following categories to compete in: 

• Best hanging baskets Hanging baskets offer an opportunity to add colour and interest. Judges will look for an overall collection of hanging baskets.
• Best kerb appeal Kerb appeal can include dedicated borders and planters, as well as hanging baskets at the front of the home.
• Best miniature garden This can be a fairy garden, a single planter or large pot chosen for this category. The miniature garden must include at least two living plants. Previous examples have included a traditional pram and a bird bath.
• Best gardening club This could focus on gardening plans, gardening stories, homes could choose a resident gardener of the month, or show how gardening clubs involve the local community.
• Best wildlife garden areas This could be any area that focuses on encouraging wildlife to visit or planting to encourage bees or butterflies. A wildlife garden can be a dedicated space to grow seeds and grasses which attract bees and butterflies. It could also be a space for a bug hotel, or several bird feeders.
• Best edible gardening This could be any patch or planter where the home is successfully growing vegetables, fruit or herbs and using the produce in the home.
• Best overall garden grounds presentation Every home that takes part will be scored in this category.

Residents and their families have rated care provider The Orders of St John Care Trust as one of the Top 20 care home groups in the UK.

There are nearly 17,000 care homes in the UK caring for around half a million people, with the top 20 care home groups receiving an award from the leading reviews guide to care homes, carehome.co.uk.

The award is based on the provider’s care home reviews from their residents, as well as their friends and relatives.   

Over 12,000 of all UK care homes support older people aged 65 and over, with around half of these older people paying for their own care. The rest care for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues and are largely funded by their local authorities.

People are living longer, and with 19% of the total population in the UK aged 65 years or older, which equates to 11 million people, demand for care homes is set to grow. 

Dan Hayes OBE, Chief Executive at The Orders of St John Care Trust, said:

“We are delighted to receive a Top 20 Care Home Group Award for another year running.  

This award, based on reviews by those who live in one of our homes, and by their families, is a reflection of the trust placed in us by our residents and their loved ones.  In turn, the award also reassures them that they live in a place where they are valued as individuals with unique experiences and stories, and where their needs are met, and indeed exceeded.

The award also recognises the hard work and dedication of all my colleagues.  I am so proud of the loving care, dignity, respect and happiness our teams bring to every individual in our care - they are truly deserving of this accolade.”

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of carehome.co.uk, said: 

“It is a huge achievement to be named as one of the Top 20 care home groups in the UK by the residents and their families, who have experienced for themselves the care and support being given at the care home.

“We would like to congratulate The Orders of St John Care Trust on being a top care home group! Our awards, which celebrate the excellent care given by care home groups, show The Orders of St John Care Trust ensures it gives first-rate care throughout its homes.

“These top performing care home groups are making a profound difference to residents’ lives as they put compassion, respect and dignity at the centre of their care.”

To view The Orders of St John Care Trust’s reviews go to https://www.carehome.co.uk/care_search_results.cfm/searchgroup/36153015JOHA#reviews

Bogumil Cwiklak, who joined OSJCT when he was recruited from Poland through an overseas recruitment drive in 2007, has been awarded an honorary British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to adult social care during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Bogumil joined OSJCT as a Carer at Grevill House in Charlton Kings, near Cheltenham, and is now Assistant Regional Director – Special Projects. During his long-standing career with OSJCT, he has gained extensive experience in delivering and managing positive change in adult social care and is currently supporting operations at The Fremantle Trust, which recently merged with OSJCT.

Bogumil said: “When I first thought about moving to the UK, I thought it would be for a couple of years. However, I soon found that working at OSJCT offered me the opportunity to follow my ambitions. The Trust has strong values and Ewa (my wife) and I have always felt supported. 

“We’ve stayed at OSJCT, and in the UK, thanks to the strong community feel, very friendly teams and working in roles where we can improve people’s lives.

On receiving news of his BEM, Bogumil said: “I was very surprised to be nominated for this unexpected honour. To receive this recognition in Britain, as someone who moved from another country, for helping our society, is really fantastic. 

“I arrived in the UK 17 years ago with just one small suitcase, but with passion and energy to make a contribution and share my skills. This honour is very special to me. The UK is a place where your dreams can come true.”

Dan Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, said: 

“We are thrilled that Bogumil has been awarded the honorary British Empire Medal. His passion and dedication to adult social care are clear to all who work with him. From the pandemic to ongoing organisational change, Bogumil brings compassion, expertise, and total commitment.

“Throughout the pandemic Bogumil put his job, and the wellbeing of our residents and employees across Gloucestershire first. His tenacity and drive were immense and with strong resilience he skilfully led his colleagues through a constantly changing and difficult period. 

Bogumil has been a force for good since he joined the Trust, and I am proud to call him my colleague.”

Inspired by personal experience in hospital 

Bogumil’s drive to promote compassionate, high-quality healthcare, and desire to effect positive change has been inspired by his own experience of care as a child, when he spent time in hospital after operations due to scoliosis - a genetic spinal condition.  

He said: “I remember two male nurses on the paediatric wards, they were very caring and engaged. They made the experience I had better. From that early age I learned that nursing is holistic, as well as clinical. Care is about being with people, and bringing ease and humour to what can be a difficult time.”

Moving to the UK

Bogumil moved to the UK in January 2007, following his wedding to Ewa, who also joined OSJCT in May 2007 to work at Grevill House. Bogumil, Ewa and their three children are now happily settled in Gloucestershire.

He said “We’ve stayed at OSJCT, and in the UK, thanks to the strong community feel, very friendly teams and working in roles where we can improve people’s lives.

Last year Bogumil played a pivotal role in the overseas recruitment project which the Trust runs to offer opportunities for skilled nurses and carers to join OSJCT. With his knowledge of the challenges of moving to a new country, coping with a secondary language, and not knowing the local geography, Bogumil has helped to ensure that new recruits are supported from the moment they arrive. Overseas carers are met at the airport, given sim cards, welcome packs and supported with finding accommodation and learning about local transportation. 

Bogumil’s career at OSJCT

Bogumil joined OSJCT as a Carer at Grevill House after responding to an overseas recruitment campaign. As a qualified nurse in Poland and with experience in mental health and psychiatric nursing, Bogumil quickly progressed to Care Leader, and then Head of Dementia Care. Bogumil followed a management career path and moved to Monkscroft Care Centre to become Deputy Manager in January 2017, before taking on the role of Home Manager later that year. Bogumil helped the home prepare for a summer CQC inspection, and the home has held an Outstanding CQC rating ever since. 

In February 2019 Bogumil became a Peri-Manager in Gloucestershire, and then an Area Operations Manager in February 2020. In June 2021 he became Operational Change Lead across the Trust, and in November 2023, Assistant Regional Director – Special Projects.

Pandemic

At the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bogumil was supporting 17 Gloucestershire homes, when the first cases in the Trust emerged, following the Cheltenham Races in March. Illness appeared among residents and employees, and everyone was worried about the new virus. During March 2020 Bogumil found himself working long hours organising and delivering much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to OSJCT care homes across the country. In subsequent months Bogumil was instrumental in leading the establishment of Hospital Discharge Units (HDSUs) in several Gloucestershire homes and later Covid-19 Designated Sites, where care teams knew they would be caring for people very poorly with Covid-19. 

Bogumil worked at pace with numerous partners to set up these new units in OSJCT care homes. He organised risk assessments, secured local authority funding, established new teams who moved from their day job to work in dedicated teams with patients coming from NHS hospitals and co-ordinated CQC approval to open the sites. These sites were instrumental in easing the pressure on the NHS and also offered poorly patients a safe, compassionate experience of care in a community setting. 

Bogumil achieved extraordinary change during extremely challenging times. He said: “It’s always important to stay positive about change, and to make a confident first impression. We have great people at OSJCT who are committed to making a difference, supporting them through these times was a privilege. 

“During those first few months, we had momentum, and the people who chose to join the HDSU and hot sites, despite the risks of Covid-19, are very special. Knowing that we were making a difference kept us all going through the difficult days.” 

The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) has announced it will continue to pay the current real Living Wage, a voluntary, independently calculated wage rate based on the cost of living.  From 1 April 2024 all OSJCT employees will be paid at an hourly rate of £12.00 or above, and all care employees will be paid an hourly rate of £12.17 or above.  OSJCT’s commitment sends a strong signal about the value it places on its workforce. 

Rachel Greenough, Home Manager at OSJCT Meadowcroft in Thame, Oxfordshire said: “Staff were absolutely over the moon when they found out they would continue to be paid the real Living Wage.  With the pandemic, then the cost of living crisis impacting those working in social care so significantly, I know staff really appreciate the pay increase and that it makes a real difference to them.” Rachel continued: “Paying the real Living Wage also helps with recruitment, particularly among young people as the rate is more competitive than the national minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds.”

Dan Hayes, CEO of OSJCT, added: “As a large not-for-profit employer in the social care sector, we put people – not profit – at the heart of everything we do.  It is important to us morally, and economically, that we continue to prioritise this investment in our people.  Social care is the backbone of society, requiring skill, dedication and utmost compassion, and our workforce deserves proper recognition and a fair rate of pay. 

“The real Living Wage has also provided much needed stability to our workforce, by enabling us to remain competitive with other industries.

“However, our ability to pay the real Living Wage is impacted by the rates that commissioners pay for care. This financial model is not currently sustainable and funding for the social care sector was glaringly absent from the spring Budget.  With expectations of a general election before the end of the year, on behalf of the sector we are calling on the new government for a cross-party solution to reform - that we have awaited for decades.”

OSJCT was among the first care providers to pay the real Living Wage, and the charity’s decision to renew its commitment for the third year running represents a £9.8million annual incremental investment in hourly paid employees. 

In addition to the pay boost, OSJCT offers a competitive package of benefits, including training and development opportunities via the Trust’s specially-designed Leadership Academy as well as apprenticeships, pay enhancements for Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) qualifications, enhanced weekend rates of pay, and service-related annual leave increases.  Employees also receive free parking, uniforms and DBS checks, as well as free access to counselling, financial and legal information via the Employee Assistance Programme and The Care Workers’ Charity, as well as high street discounts via the Blue Light Card and MyReward schemes. 

• 91% of residents report overall satisfaction with OSJCT 
• 89% of families and friends report overall satisfaction with OSJCT
• Residents praised OSJCT for its kind, helpful, friendly, and caring staff; offering opportunities for making friends; and providing a feeling of safety, security, and a sense of belonging/community.

Recent research commissioned by OSJCT, and managed by independent research company BMG, found that 91% of residents report overall satisfaction with the services they receive. Family and friends of residents in the care homes reported 89% satisfaction overall.

Over 1,500 residents including 633 who live with dementia, and 632 family and friends were surveyed about their views and experiences of their OSJCT care home, or that of their loved one. Topics in the survey included life at OSJCT, food, health and wellbeing, and staff. 

Findings from surveys completed by residents included:

• 94% of residents agreed that staff treated them with respect
• 81% agreed that food served at mealtimes is of a high quality
• 84% agreed that they had opportunities to engage with nature or get outdoors
• 90% agreed that those who support them understand their needs

Findings from surveys completed by family and friends of those living in OSJCT care homes included:

• 97% agreed that the arrangements to visit relatives or friends were good
• 90% agreed that the home’s facilities are suitable to meet residents’ individual needs
• 94% agreed that the overall condition of the home was good
• 96% agreed that the residents have the freedom to personalise their room
• 92% agreed that the help, care, or support improves or maintains their loved one’s quality of life

The survey ranked residents’ favourite things about living in their care home, and the top three were:

• All the staff are kind, helpful, friendly, and caring
• Making friends, companionship, having someone to talk to
• Feeling safe, secure and a sense of community.

Mike Stredder, Group Operations Director, who is in charge of care quality, said: “We are delighted that this independent research has found high satisfaction rates among residents and their family and friends. Feedback from our residents and their family and friends of their experience of our services is very important to us. This positive feedback is assurance that the hard work and diligence of our teams is making a positive difference to residents and providing peace of mind for their family and friends. 

“The research has also shown us where we can improve our operations, and each care home has a copy of the local response rates so that we can see and act on any variations or local feedback.”

Verbatim comments shared in surveys completed by residents include:

“Love being able to socialise with others and I am never lonely.” OSJCT Ashwood Care Centre, Warminster

“I am very happy here, the staff made me feel so welcome and really care about me and my family” OSJCT Willowcroft, Salisbury

“I made friends here and it's a lovely place to live, I am very lucky.” OSJCT Chestnut Court, Quedgeley 

Resident cited their favourite thing as “Being looked after and not having to worry about anything.” Jubilee Lodge, OSJCT Bourton on the Water

Verbatim comments shared in surveys completed by residents' relatives or friends include:

“I have been in senior management in the private care industry for most of my working life and I can in all honesty say that I have not come across a care home with such high standards and as homely as Lake House. I visit my mother every day, so I am a very involved relative but also an extremely happy relative.” OSJCT Lake House, Banbury

“I feel as if the team at Beckside have become part of my family. They always go the extra mile, for example one of the staff went on holiday to a place that is very special to my mother, and she sent her a postcard. As my mother’s memory is very poor those links to special memories are wonderful. I would like to thank them all.” OSJCT Beckside, North Hykeham

“Thank you for being such a happy, hardworking, and motivated team. My mother always comments on how nice everyone is to her and we can tell she feels safe and secure.” OSJCT Skirbeck Court, Boston

“My mother has improved healthwise since being in the nursing home. She is a very sociable person and OSJCT help in this regard.” OSJCT Isis Court, Oxford

The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) is pleased to announce its merger with The Fremantle Trust.

Established in 1991, OSJCT is a charitable trust which supports nearly 3,000 older people, employs just over 4,400 colleagues, and manages over 500 volunteers in 61 care homes and 8 extra care housing schemes across Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, West Sussex, and Wiltshire.

The Fremantle Trust, also a charitable trust, has a significant presence in Buckinghamshire, supporting over 750 people and employing over 1,300 colleagues across multiple facilities, including 11 care homes for older people and residential and supported living services for people with learning disabilities.

The merger is an excellent strategic fit for the two charities, with both organisations sharing the same charitable objectives and a values-led approach to care. Together, the charities can achieve greater benefits for residents through shared size, pooling of resources and economies of scale.

Dan Hayes OBE, Chief Executive of OSJCT said: “I am delighted that The Orders of St John Care Trust and The Fremantle Trust are coming together.

“Our two organisations share so many core values which ensures that this merger is an ideal fit. We are both not-for-profit charities, absolutely dedicated to those who depend on us and those that deliver life-changing care and support.

“Pooling resources makes us stronger, more able to invest in our future, and fundamentally, more sustainable.  We expect to learn a great deal from our new colleagues, and we see this opportunity as a great privilege.”

Jim Burness, outgoing Chair of Trustees at The Fremantle Trust said: “I am really delighted that The Fremantle Trust has found such a like-minded partner organisation as The Orders of St John Care Trust. This merger is a testament to our collective dedication to caring for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

“These are challenging times for social care. Together we have greater capacity to provide residential social care services, by charitable organisations, for the benefit of those that need it.”

Richard Lunn, Managing Director – Care at Christie & Co, commented: “It was a pleasure to facilitate the merger of these two well-established, well-respected charitable trusts whose shared values will no doubt create a brilliant partnership, making a true difference to the lives of the people in their care.”

OSJCT’s initial priority is to get to know The Fremantle Trust teams and partners, and to meet residents, service users and their families, with continuity and quality of care across all services being paramount. 

A video of care home residents enjoying a silent disco at OSJCT Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge, Wiltshire has gone viral on TikTok with over 4.5 million views within 72 hours. The event was organised as part of the home’s “Beat the January Blues” activities for residents.

https://www.tiktok.com/@osjct/video/7325825012781370657

Top Tik Tok comments included:

This seems like the most wonderful nursing home everyone seems so lovely and caring it makes me so extremely happy and emotional. (Emma_ada)

this is a proper care home♥️xxx well done to all ur hard work and effort carers 🙏🥰 your amazing (Donna).

Resident Judy Farr (pictured) is featured entering the disco, having shown her ID to “bouncer” Alex Damon, Events Manager at The Orders of St John Care Trust.  Judy is accompanied by fellow disco goers Molly, Patricia, John, Janet, Jean and Sue.

Judy commented: “It was rather exciting to be part of the silent disco, and to enjoy a new experience.  I like to do new things and try new experiences, and I liked trying different music.  I would do it again – there was a great playlist for everyone to enjoy!”

Given the popularity of the event at the time, and subsequently on social media, OSJCT Goodson Lodge plans to organise another silent disco for residents in coming weeks, with residents helping to choose the playlist.

Uplifting “Beat the January Blues” activities have taken place throughout the month and were specially designed by Alex to life spirits after Christmas, during a period of the year that can be challenging for many. Other activities have included a wine and cheese evening, gin tasting, and a drumming workshop. 

Residents and staff at Monkscroft Care Centre have written a winter carol and released a video on social media to share Christmas joy with the local community. The video is available to view at Monkscroft Christmas Video (vimeo.com).

The song has also been shared on the care home’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OSJCTMonkscroft) and features a cameo by Chief Executive Dan Hayes, dressed as Santa, who sings: ‘Will it be a winter wonderland? Merry Christmas Monkscroft!’

Doreen Paisley, Home Manager, who sings the first verse, said: “We are very proud of our Christmas message, shared in a song written by our residents for this time of year. The lyrics are heartwarming and joyful and we’ll be singing it as we enjoy our many festive activities at Monkscroft.”

The songs chorus names the care home’s four households: Alstone, Pittville, Redgrove and Springbank. 

Monkscroft Winter Carol 2023 to the tune of Winter Wonderland.

Room bells ring, are you listening? 

The tinsel is glistening

A sparkly sight

It’s Christmas night 

Will it be a winter wonderland? 

Gone away is the sunshine

It’s dark now by teatime

But today, Christmas Eve, 

We know with relief  

We’re blessed with staff’s helping hands.

Chorus: Alstone, Pittville, Redgrove and Springbank

Residents and team are having fun!

Alstone, Pittville, Redgrove and Springbank

A Monkscroft Christmas has begun!

Spare a thought for the homeless, 

refugees and the hopeless

May their lives be relieved 

By hands such as these

And people will do all that they can

May we hope for the Planet

And all creatures on it

That green shoots will grow

After the snow

And Monkscroft will greet a welcome spring 

Our bells ring, thanks for listening,

Bring wine and spiced pudding,

We have parcels to share

Thank you for the care

A little piece of winter wonderland. 

Spoken: A piece of Christmas wonderland and a Merry Christmas to you all.

Monkscroft Care Centre is rated Outstanding by CQC and has a 10 out of 10 score by the consumer website carehome.co.uk.