A care home manager committed to making her team feel valued with pizzas and an “open door policy” has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Sujjata Singh whose nursing career spans over 25 years, was described as the “perfect definition of a leader” by colleagues who nominated her.
The 61-year-old was hailed at the 2022 Wales Care Awards in Cardiff where she scooped bronze in the Independent Sector Nurse of the Year Award, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare.
The team at Ty Enfys Care Home, Pentwyn, Cardiff said she puts staff and residents “at the forefront of everything” and deserved to be honoured at the event which was hosted by tenor and radio presenter Wynne Evans, better known as Gio Compario from the Go Compare TV ads.
The annual awards are run in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.
Sujjata who started her career in the Middle East in areas such as psychiatric and oncology has worked at Ty Enfys for 13 years.
The grandmother-of-two can always be found lending her help, knowledge and expertise to team members, residents and visitors alike, making them feel valued from ordering pizzas and encouraging personal development, to fighting for equality in wages and a better future.
Her admirable ethos has pumped through the heart of Ty Enfys, run by Hallmark Care Homes, ever since she joined in 2009 and her open door policy means everyone knows how to reach out to her and she will always dedicate time to listen.
Bethan Hurley, Customer Relationship Manager who nominated Sujjata said: “Sujjata is the perfect definition of a leader – she’s honest, courageous, she has integrity and has a clear focus.”
She added: “Ty Enfys would not be the same home without Sujjata at the forefront and we are always thankful for her continued guidance, dedication and support.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sujjata had to adapt quickly and consistently, keeping abreast of all updates and changes from Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government with strength and compassion.
Her dedicated team said she did this “with great courage and integrity” with the Ty Enfys family – including its 101 residents – being her main focus.
She was described as “warm and welcoming to anyone who needs anything, whether work or personal”; and lets families know she is available day or night – often providing them with treats and gifts.
Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the ceremony was all the more poignant because of the Covid pandemic and what front line staff had endured.
He said: “I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to all the wonderful people who work in social care after the rose magnificently and courageously to meet the unprecedented challenges they have faced over the past couple of years.
“We have always recognised their true value and hopefully now the rest of Wales is also aware of how lucky we are as a nation to have them providing care and safeguarding our most vulnerable people.
“Our finalists are the best of the best and are here representing the whole social care workforce who all deserve a big pat on the back.
“There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.
“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.
“In the words of the powerful song, Heroes of our Heart, written by the acclaimed poet Mererid Hopwood and sung by Sir Bryn Terfel, let the Diolch last forever.
”We take our hats off to them.”
