Hayley delighted to take charge at Melmount Manor

CARE has been at the centre of Hayley Phillips entire adult life. The new manager of Melmount Manor nursing home first entered the facility some 22 years ago as a wide-eyed care assistant – in April this year she was appointed manager and is certainly looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“I started work in Melmount Manor at the age of 17 as a care assistant,” Hayley recalls. “It was my intention to gain valuable caring experience whilst studying, with a hope of pursuing a career in nursing. Following initial studies, I accepted a full-time role as a care assistant and spent several years looking after residents suffering from dementia within the home.

“After these years I applied to commence my nursing degree with the University of Ulster where I qualified as a registered mental health nurse in 2011. I returned to Melmount Manor at this time, in the position of staff nurse where I continued to provide care of a high standard for the residents.

“In recent years I was promoted to the post of Sister which allowed me to continue to drive improvements in care within the home. “During this time, I progressed professionally and was recently promoted to unit manager and subsequently to home manager.”

And nearly a month in to her new role Hayley is positive about the future.

She explained, “I feel I have that autonomy now to make some decisions in the best interests of the residents and the staff.

“I hope to enhance the care that’s delivered to the residents in Melmount Manor, making sure the quality of life here is good.

“I’m keen to improve the connection again with the local community as we have come through probably the worst time we have ever seen within the care sector with regards Covid. We are looking at enhancing activities now visiting is opened up a bit, that involvement now is going to be vital for the residents.”

Concluding Hayley explained, “I have a drive and passion for excellence within elderly care which I continually promote within my team. I will continue to encourage the local connections within our community at Melmount Manor, to enhance and enrich the lives of our residents whilst promoting activities and welcoming outside engagement.

“Throughout the years I have developed many relationships with family members, and will strive to ensure these are enhanced in my role as home manager.”