Our Staff
Downs Cottage ’s team of dedicated staff includes registered nurses on duty twenty-four hours, who are supported by highly trained and motivated care assistants. Our staff put residents' interests first at all times.
The home employs 8 Registered Nurses (apart from the owners), 16 Care Assistants, 3 Cooks, 3 Kitchen Assistants, 1 Office Support Staff, 1 Maintenance Person, 2 Laundry Staff, and 2 Cleaners. The homes staff is selected for their qualities of reliability, integrity, skill, friendliness and professionalism. They are carefully screened and references are always checked thoroughly. Criminal Record checks are also made. During induction all staff are trained in-house by experienced qualified senior staff in the following critical subjects:
- Care code of conduct
- Fire Safety
- Protection of Vulnerable Adults
- Confidentiality
- The rights of clients
- Health and Safety
- Food Hygiene and Safety
- Personal Care Tasks
- Care Assistants Responsibilities
The home aims that all Care Assistants hold a minimum of NVQ level 2 in Care. All new members of staff must train to achieve this important qualification.
The home also sends selected staff on external training courses for such topics as Food Hygiene, Lifting and Handling, Care of the Elderly, First Aid, Drugs Practice etc
On duty there will be:
- A key worker to support residents and their family.
- Registered Nurses (Mental Health and General trained) on duty 24 hours.
- Trained care assistants.
- Recreational and occupational therapists.
- A wide range of ancillary staff in support, including cooks, cleaners, maintenance person etc.
Downs Cottage is actively involved in both N.V.Q. training and Mandatory Training Programmes. We are affiliated to Surrey Care Association, the Royal College of Nursing and other agencies and educational centres.
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Staff training is a high priority. We ensure our staff are up-to-date with current practices, giving them the appropriate skill mix to meet our residents’ needs.