Home manager passionate about care for veterans
Nominated category: Care of Veterans
Passionate in the cause of recognition of veterans, Mrs Jaqui Longden is the manager of Blesma Home in Blackpool. At every opportunity Mrs Longden represents the Home, with involvement in Veteran’s Week, talks to local charity groups and fundraising stands at supermarkets, with her annual Garden Party is regularly attended by nearly 300 people, including military and ex service people, local dignitaries, charities and schools and the media.
The Home provides specialist care for residents, mainly amputees and paraplegics, many of whom are veterans of World War II onwards. Palliative care, introduced by Mrs Longden has allowed dying patients to have a painfree and dignified exit in familiar surroundings, instead of waiting for a doctor to visit and arrange transfer to a hospital. Knowing that this is available has brought immense relief to both residents and their families. She has been instrumental in formulating plans for refurbishment of the Home to accommodate and provide for changing needs of present and future patients.
Mrs Longden has worked hand in hand with the NHS Primary Care Trust to ensure that the required treatment is delivered by nurses in the Home, instead of having to wait for a visit from District Nurses.
Looking to initiate change in the attitude of nurses and care assistants to new procedures, her leadership, training and encouragement they have accepted the need for training and acquiring new skills.
By participating in local events, opening the doors to other organisations and helping to organise entertainments, Mrs Longden has achieved much local recognition. Other ex-service organisations and charities are allowed to use the Home for meetings and attend coffee mornings which has resulted not only in friendships, but sometimes unsolicited donations.