Accolades and Promotions at The Laurels and Pine Lodge

The team at The Laurels and Pine Lodge care home in Poole are celebrating the achievements of three of its longest serving members of staff with the announcement of two promotions and an award win.

Claudia Cullens has recently been promoted to Home Manager at The Laurels and Pine Lodge and is testament to the career progression Hartford Care offers across its homes. Claudia joined as a Care Assistant in May 2015 and quickly moved up to Senior Care Assistant in October 2015. By 2016, Claudia became the Head of Care at the home and in 2019, she was promoted to Deputy Manager.

Claudia comments: “I have worked in care since I was 18 years old and my love for the role started when I was very young. My mum was a carer and I used to visit the home where she worked and I spent lots of time chatting with the residents. I could see how happy this made them, and I knew I could make a difference.

“The best part of my job is making a difference in people’s lives – not just our lovely residents, but their families too. It’s important to have the time to interact and listen to what they say and talk about their lives. It’s the best feeling when our residents are laughing and happy and I am so pleased I can help achieve this.”

Tina MacNewman, who has been promoted to Deputy Manager, has worked at The Laurels and Pine Lodge for ten years. Tina started her career with Hartford Care in 2013 as a Care Assistant, becoming a Senior Care Assistant in 2017 before her latest promotion to Deputy Manager.

Tina says: “From the day I came to the home for my job interview ten years ago, I knew this was the place for me; the home was inviting and the staff were so welcoming. I love working here and the opportunities for career progression are fantastic – I’ve completed my NVQ level two and three and will soon be starting level five. We have a fabulous, supportive team at The Laurels and Pine Lodge, and I love being able to give the residents and their families the best care possible and uphold the company values of care, comfort and companionship.”

Collette Fletcher, Administration Manager, has worked at The Laurels and Pine Lodge for 19 years and recently won an award for ‘Support Person of the Year’ at Hartford Care’s inaugural staff award ceremony. Collette says: “I was absolutely thrilled to win this award; it came as quite a shock! I feel very much appreciated, not only by those at The Laurels and Pine Lodge, but the company too.

“I’m extremely passionate about my job, I love the environment we work in – we work in our residents’ home, and this is so important to remember. No matter what role you work in across the home, it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation.”

The Laurels and Pine Lodge offers residential, day care, nursing, dementia, end of life care and respite care at its 54-bedroom home in Poole. Split across two buildings, Pine Lodge specialises in dementia care. The home benefits from secluded, easy access gardens with a spacious front-facing patio, where residents can enjoy get togethers, or simply appreciate the peace and quiet. With a full activities programme and ample communal spaces, there’s always something to look forward to.

See more information, or even book in a tour of Laurels and Pine Lodge on our care home page.

With a strong culture of internal promotion, we encourage progressing careers in care. See our careers page for all current vacancies.