Westmorland Homecare appoints three to Preston office

Westmorland Homecare has made three top appointments at its branch at Preston.

Liz Logan has joined as care manager, Lisa Hall as training and recruitment coordinator and Julia Smyth as care coordinator client experience.

The Preston branch, which opened in December last year, provides care to enable vulnerable and often frail people over the age of 18 to live independently in their own home.

Its services include homecare, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, which includes support with medication, dressing, bathing. It also supports people to access their community, living life to the full.

The branch covers Preston, Fulwood, Penwortham, Kirkham, Bamber Bridge, Walton-le-Dale, Longton, North Leyland, Ribbleton, Lea and Longridge.

Liz Logan is awaiting CQC registration to become registered care manager. She said: "My vision for the branch is to ensure that we continue to offer high-quality care and have staff who are trained, knowledgeable and happy at work. I want to grow the branch and ensure we have the right people in the right roles and that everyone plays a part in that expansion.

“We are keen to start client and staff social events, as happens at Westmorland Homecare’s other branches, and a big focus at the moment is getting out into the local community promoting brand awareness and introducing the team.”

Lisa Hall spent 15 years in the social care sector in various roles, including senior homecare assistant, before taking a diploma in nursing at UCLAN and becoming a nurse, latterly at St Catherine’s Hospice at Lostock Hall in Preston where she was a senior staff nurse.

Her role will involve training homecare assistants, from their initial induction and mandatory training to annual refresher training. She will also provide more bespoke training to help staff support clients with complex care needs, such as

Julia Smyth has worked in the care environment since the age of 18, including coordinating roles at various homecare companies.

Her role includes assessing clients. Each client has a coordinator assigned to them as their own point of contact to answer any queries about their care package, such as medication, equipment or scheduling of visits by homecare assistants.

Julia is also a key link between the branch and other health professionals on the client’s behalf, such as GPs, district nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Daniel Stainer, Westmorland Homecare director, said: "We are thrilled to be able to offer our outstanding services to Preston and the surrounding area and we have full confidence in Liz and her leadership ability to inspire the team to provide life-changing care and support to our clients.

“We are excited to welcome more staff and clients and anyone wanting more information can email [email protected] or pop into our offices for a no obligation assessment or simply a cup of tea and a natter.”

Photo: From left: Julia Smyth, Lisa Hall and Liz Logan at Westmorland Homecare's Preston branch