Chief nurse for adult social care Professor Deborah Sturdy, accompanied by deputy director for Covid-19 strategy Jamie Weatherhead, visited two Excelcare homes based in Cambridge to experience daily life and meet the people who live and work there.

As part of Sturdy’s role, she shares the achievements of nurses and all team members who work in the sector, helping to educate teams and the wider public about best practices, and leading the way in delivering solutions to challenges that have been identified.

She enjoyed a walk around Etheldred House in Cambridge, getting to know the people living there, before sitting down for a cup of tea and a slice of cake and chatting with the team working there. “It was an honour to meet Professor Sturdy and welcome her to Etheldred House,” the home manager said. “I know the whole team appreciated the time she dedicated to chatting with them, showing an interest in their roles and the valuable advice she shared.”

Next, Sturdy visited Fitzwilliam House in Cottenham, viewing the home, meeting the team and catching up with some of the residents.

Home manager Claire Keen said, “Professor Sturdy really showed an interest in our team, their roles and the important part they each play in making Fitzwilliam House a CQC-rated Outstanding care home. We know how busy her schedule is, so we’re all very appreciative of the time she took to sit and talk with us”

Earlier in the year, Sturdy hosted a webinar in collaboration with Excelcare’s director of care, quality and transformation, Samantha Crawley about excellence in nursing. During this webinar, she met with nurses and team members from across Excelcare as part of an open conversation; sharing stories with them and learning about the ways the nursing team deliver person-centred care.