A chip shop supper will be enjoyed by patients on Roustel Ward every Friday for a year after Ravenscroft met ward staff at the Pride of Guernsey Awards.
The ward was nominated for the Angel of the Year category, which Ravenscroft has sponsored since 2016, and at the ceremony Ravenscroft group CEO Jon Ravenscroft and director Sophie Yabsley spoke to ward manager Helen Goldsmith and deputy manager Valerie Brown.
‘The ceremony gives us the time to get to know those shortlisted and find out more about the care they provide to islanders at a time of need. Helen and Val were passionate about the care given to the patients on Roustel Ward, the majority of whom have some form of dementia as well as other mental health issues. Every Friday the patients enjoy a chippy tea and this was paid for using money that the staff had raised through raffles,’ said Mrs Yabsley.
‘When Helen and Val explained why they did this, we agreed to buy them a chippy tea for a year, which was in addition to the prize they received as the winner of Angel of the Year. We want to thank the Chip Inn in Fountain Street, who helped us make this possible, as well as Sandpiper who are donating some alcohol-free beer for the patients to enjoy along with their supper.’
Mrs Brown said the generosity of Ravenscroft was overwhelming.
‘We couldn’t quite believe it when Jon offered to pay for a whole year. We strive to make our patients stay on Roustel Ward as enjoyable as possible and the small things, such as proper fish and chips from a chippy, really do make a huge difference. It means that we can bring some ‘normality’ to their lives and also encourages those who are reluctant to eat to enjoy a meal – we all know it’s impossible to resist the smell of fresh chips!’ she said.
‘Until now the staff have been raising the money through raffles, which they organised in their own time, so now any money they do raise can be used for other treats. We are all so grateful to Ravenscroft, the Chip Inn and Sandpiper.’
As winners of Angel of the Year, Roustel Ward received £1,000 in prize money from Ravenscroft.
‘We set up a ward Amazon account with the voucher from Ravenscroft and have purchased boxes to be decorated by the patients and their families as personal memory boxes, and some bright scatter cushions for the lounge. The staff made the suggestions for purchases to enhance the experience and environment on the ward,’ said Mrs Brown, who gave every staff member an angel badge in recognition of winning.
‘Winning the Pride award meant so much to us all, especially as the nomination came from relatives of our patients. We were genuinely shocked when they announced our name but it gives recognition and validation to the daily hard work of the entire team.’
