Care UK has appointed Therisa Galazka as home manager at Llys Herbert, a new care home in Cardiff opening in July.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the health and social care sector, Galazka began her career as a registered mental health nurse. Working in the NHS and the independent sector, Galazka worked her way up to hospital director and was responsible for a large multidisciplinary team for 15 years.

Galazka has helped commission and establish three secure services within South Wales, providing care and treatment to those with living with mental disorders and complex challenging behaviours. Her focus was also on implementing strategic plans, management initiatives and continuous improvement.

Galazka said: “As home manager, I have the privilege of helping to build a strong team and a welcoming home right from the beginning. I’m looking forward to leading the new team, supporting everyone to develop their skills and nurturing a positive environment in which we can provide the highest-quality care for our future residents.”

Care UK also appointed Jenny Ashton as customer relations manager to be the first point of contact for all potential residents and their relatives, ensuring a smooth process from showing families around the home, to supporting residents to move in.

Ashton has more than 30 years’ experience working in customer-centric management roles in a range of industries, including travel, hospitality and finance. In her previous job, she supported a care home provider with customer relations and data analytics.

Ashton said: “I was drawn to the role of customer relations manager at Llys Herbert as I wanted to work somewhere I could make a real difference. I was delighted to learn Care UK share the same passion about providing excellent care and supporting older people to lead fulfilling lives and knew this was the job for me. I can’t wait to start welcoming our first residents and making their experience as seamless as possible – from their initial contact to helping them settle into their new home.”

Angela Zuraw, regional director for Care UK, added: “Llys Herbert marks an important investment for Care UK, and we’re thrilled to have Therisa and Jenny on board. Every detail of the home has been considered to provide the highest standards of care, but having the right team is key to the overall experience for the residents. Therisa and Jenny have plenty of experience, passion and empathy and I’m confident they’ll be a fantastic new addition to the Care UK family.

“I’m looking forward to working with Therisa and Jenny to appoint the rest of the team ahead of the home opening later this summer.”

Llys Herbert care home will have a bar, hair and beauty salon, cinema and coffee shop.