Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe has a new home manager – 13 years after she joined the veterans’ charity as a nurse.

Reggie Ballos was confirmed as registered manager of the home earlier this year, following an interview with the Care Quality Commission. She had been interim home manager since September 2020.

Royal Star & Garter provides care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. It also has homes in Solihull and Surbiton, and Ballos is the charity’s only member of care staff who has worked in all three locations.

Ballos said in her blog: “Our homes are special. They’re family-orientated. They are full of history, full of courage, and have a long tradition of providing exceptional person-centred care. I am very proud to be the home manager at High Wycombe. For me it’s a continuation of my journey as a nurse and as a leader. I am so happy.”

Ballos qualified as a nurse in the Philippines in 1995 and worked in a hospital, covering departments including orthopaedics, gynaecology, intensive care and paediatrics.

She moved to England in 2006, and after qualifying again, joined Royal Star & Garter in Solihull as a registered nurse in 2009. She was promoted to lead nurse before making the move to Surbiton to become dementia care manager. Ballos remained in the same role when she moved to the 74-room High Wycombe Home ahead of its opening in 2019.

Ballos continued in her blog: “I’ve loved working for Royal Star & Garter from the very beginning. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in all three homes… Each home is unique, with its own personality, but they’re all Royal Star & Garter and all have the same values and the same culture.”

Throughout her time with Royal Star & Garter, Ballos has been encouraged to progress and develop her career. She has benefited from mentorship training, completed an apprenticeship course, and is currently studying for a Level Five diploma in leadership and management in adult care.

Ballos said: “The charity believes and invests in its staff. I think that’s why so many people stay here, because they feel valued and have the opportunity to progress their careers. The opportunity that Royal Star & Garter has given me has helped me find myself and who I really want to be. I want to create something and give back because of the opportunities that have been given to me. As home manager, I will do the best I can to repay that trust.”

Royal Star & Garter’s director of care Pauline Shaw said: “I am so immensely proud of Reggie. She has been an asset to us from the moment she first walked through the doors of our Solihull home 13 years ago. I’ve taken pleasure in seeing her develop and progress with the charity, and I know she’s doing a fantastic job in High Wycombe. Hers is an inspirational story to share on International Nurses Day.”