A Healthcare Homes care team in East Sussex has been celebrated for racking up an incredible 305 combined years of service.

Healthcare Homes chief executive Gordon Cochrane attended the event to give his personal congratulations and thanks to the 16 team members, which include three who have worked at the Suffolk home for 40 years each.

Home manager Roxanne Cutajar said: “We have an amazing team here at Foxearth Lodge with many staff who have been here a long time. I am proud to have them all on my team bringing with them vast amounts of experience and knowledge.”

Those who received service recognition awards were –

• Rose Pendle – second chef  –  40 years
• Sandra Hambling – head of housekeeping – 40 years
• Suzy Benwick – head of housekeeping  – 40 years
• Rebecca Hambling – head chef – 30 years
• Anne Rose – care assistant – 25 years
• Kirsty Caley – domestic – 20 years
• Thresiamma Mathaikuniu – senior night nurse – 20 year
• Michelle Hammond – senior staff nurse – 20 years
• Ravi Madhavan – host/kitchen staff 15 years
• Shibu Matthew – domestic – 15 years
• Jenny Johnson – head of activities – 10 years
• Chloe Buckley – care assistant and activities co-ordinator – 10 years
• Janis Rolfe – care assistant – 5 years
• Valentin Ilie – head of maintenance – 5 years
• Madalina Ilie – team leader – 5 years
• Anthony Peters – domestic/laundry – 5 years

“We are very lucky to have staff that have worked here for so many years, they have built such rapport with the long standing residents and relatives which everyone appreciates,” said Roxanne.

“We have many families at Foxearth as many of our staff have spouses and children working here. Of those team members who have received awards Sandra, Suzanne and Rebecca are related. Valentin and Madalina are married. 

She added: “This really helps maintain the family feeling that the home provides – it continues to solidify the strength in our Foxearth Family as we can  all rely on each other and make the team work better together.”