(Image: North Bay Group)
A care professional with more than 30 years of experience has been appointed home manager at a new care home.
Clare Erskine will lead Acomb Manor, a 66-bed care home in Acomb, as it prepares to welcome its first residents.
Ms Erskine began her career as a care assistant, eventually qualifying as a registered adult nurse and progressing through a variety of roles.
She has spent more than 11 years managing care homes and has helped commission three others before Acomb Manor.
Ms Erskine said: "My heart and soul is made for caring and there is simply no other role that I would want to do.
"As a home manager, we have a powerful impact on setting the ethos and values within the home and building a culture of kindness, compassion and care, with residents at the centre of everything we do.
"I understand the trust families place in the whole team when caring for their loved ones and how difficult choosing a care home can be.
"Building supportive relationships from the very first enquiry, through moving into the home and well beyond, is incredibly important."
Ms Erskine’s previous commissioning home achieved an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
A particular focus ahead of opening has been recruiting the right team and building a positive culture.
Ms Erskine said the process has prioritised individuals who not only have the necessary skills, but also "a genuine passion to care for our residents and for each other".
She said: "Acomb Manor is a truly beautiful home, but that needs to be matched by a team who are equally strong and committed to caring.
"We’ve had a huge amount of interest from people wanting to join us, but we’ve taken our time to select people who not only have the skills and knowledge for their roles, but something you can’t teach or train – a genuine passion to care for our residents and for each other."
The team at Acomb Manor is also working to build strong relationships within the community, including with Dementia Forward, The Gateway Centre, and Acomb Explore Library.
Ms Erskine said: "Acomb is incredibly community focused and we’ve been welcomed with open arms.
"We want our residents to remain very much part of that community, while also opening our own doors and inviting local people into Acomb Manor.
"We’ve already started building some fantastic relationships, and we want Acomb Manor to have a real place at the heart of the Acomb community."
Kate Desmond, managing director of Acomb Manor Care Home, said: "We’re delighted to welcome Clare to Acomb Manor.
"She brings a huge amount of experience to the role, but just as importantly, she shares our commitment to creating a warm and welcoming home where residents are at the heart of everything we do.
"Clare will be a fantastic leader for the team as we prepare to open our doors and welcome our first residents."
Operated by St Mary’s Care Homes, Acomb Manor will create around 75 jobs once fully operational.
An open day will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 11am to 2pm, offering the community a chance to meet the team, tour the home, and enjoy canapés from celebrity chef Theo Michaels and live music from harpist Hannah Higson.