Matron rewarded for tireless committment

By TOM POTTER

tom.potter@eveningstar.co.uk

SHE'S a thoroughly modern matron who has today been duly rewarded for her generosity and compassion.

But it's all in a day's work for Helen Rollin, who has been recognised for her tireless commitment to her work at the Anchor nursing home in Ipswich by becoming one of a small handful of Dignity Champions.

She has worked at the home in Stollery Close, Kesgrave, for more than 15 years and has been given the status of Dignity Champion by the Department of Health for spreading best practice and giving advice to other health and social care workers in their field.

49-year-old Mrs Rollin, who wanted to be a nurse from the age of five, said:

“A modern Matron is passionate and driven like the old style matrons, but also has enhanced knowledge and expertise to get the best out of others and is less hierarchical than days gone by.”

Dignity Champions are volunteers who commit to make a difference to the way older people are cared for.

Originally from Cambridge, Mrs Rollin now lives in the village of Pettaugh after relocating for her training as a nurse.

A major speciality of her work involves practicing 'person centred reality care' - and the same attitude extends to the care home surroundings as staff consider the residents' point of view.

Mrs Rollin said: “We don't have set visiting times as we want family and friends to pop in at their convenience and although we have meal times our residents can snack whenever they are hungry - if someone wants a midnight feast that's fine.

“Residents also have the freedom to decorate their home the way they want, it's all about what makes them happy.”

Do you work alongside a true champion? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Helen Rollin is available for interview - to speak to her, or for a picture, please contact Liz Trott at COI News & PR Tel: 01223 372787