Devon group crowned care employer of the year

Managing director Geoffrey Cox said the group was "tremendously proud"

A Devon care home group has been crowned care employer of the year at a UK awards ceremony.

Southern Healthcare won five national awards at two ceremonies in London and Leicester.

Teams from the group's care homes in Exeter, Plymouth, Seaton and Dawlish attended the National Care Awards at Excel London and the Caring UK Awards, where it won the employer gong.

Geoffrey Cox, managing director, said the group was "tremendously proud".

'Commitment to residents'

"We are tremendously proud of all of our teams and particularly congratulate the finalists for their dedication to caring for the people living in their homes.

"We know their daily kindness and commitment to residents and to each other makes our homes vibrant, spontaneous and loving places to live and work."

Margot Whittaker, director of nursing and compliance, was presented with an award for outstanding contribution to social care after she developed an advanced diploma in social care nursing.

Mr Cox said her achievement would "underpin clinical expertise and build high levels of emotional intelligence".

The group also reached the finals of the Caring UK Awards in two other categories.

Sefton Hall in Dawlish was a finalist for both dementia care team of the year' and 'care home of the year (south)'.

Andy Cowling from the care team at The Old Rectory in Exeter, was a finalist for care employee of the year.