“We can’t imagine working anywhere else!” say our team

We pride ourselves on our dedicated and hardworking team. This was recognised last year when we received Highly Commended in the South-East region of the Great British Care Awards 2025 for the Care Home Team Award. We were also shortlisted for Team of the Year at the Surrey Care Awards the previous year.

Our lifestyle lead, Jackie Avenell, is one of four team members celebrating their ‘21’ years at the home this year. Since their first shift in 2005, they are proud to have achieved over two decades of caring for our home’s residents.

“I have met and made so many friends within the home and the community during my time here,” Jackie said, “but most of all I love the connection I have with the residents, and I truly regard them as my second family.

“I joined the home initially as a chef and gained qualifications as a catering manager. After five years I started increasing my hours by helping with activities within the home. It wasn’t long before I was offered the role of lifestyle lead and I’ve never looked back. It may have been 21 years, but it doesn’t feel like it! I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Also celebrating their 21-year milestone alongside Jackie is deputy manager, Peter Muzangaza, nurse Sophiamma John and lifestyle coordinator, Aneta Stranc.

The consistency and dedication of the team is recognised by residents, who benefit from seeing familiar faces and build strong relationships with the team who support them.

Resident George Storey, 93, moved into Queen Elizabeth Park nearly three years ago and his wife was also cared for here two years prior. “I think the team here are excellent!” he said. “I believe the quality of our long-serving members reflects on the management of the home.”

Resident Dorothy Thomazin, 93, added, “I find the team very helpful and understanding and I admire their dedication.”

Deputy manager Peter is proud of his career journey and values being able to make a positive difference to residents’ lives.

“I joined as a senior care assistant working nights and, through dedication and my passion for delivering high-quality care, I progressed to night care supervisor and then care services manager,” he said.

“Now I am currently proud to serve as home deputy manager. My role has evolved with increasing responsibility and leadership, helping ensure the highest standards of care for our residents. Each step has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.”

Lifestyle coordinator Aneta, said, “I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference in residents’ everyday lives. Supporting their wellbeing, bringing joy to their day, and helping improve their quality of life is incredibly rewarding.

“I especially enjoy creating meaningful activities, building relationships, and seeing residents smile and feel valued. Being here feels like being part of a second home. The team is supportive and caring and there it truly feels like a family.”

Nurse Sophiamma, also known as Sophie, said, “This was my first job as a registered nurse in the UK after working abroad and over the past 21 years I have achieved many professional milestones here.

“What I am most proud of is the lasting positive impact I have had on residents’ lives. Providing compassionate, safe, and dignified nursing care throughout my career here is my greatest achievement.”

Other long standing team members include clinical lead Suwan Thapa who has been with us for 18 years, senior carer Shirelle Arnold for 17 years and housekeeper Elzbieta Kloska who has kept our 77-ensuite bedroomed home clean and organised for 16 years. At the helm is our manager Heather De-Ninis who will be celebrating her 14 years at the home this November. An additional seven team members have also been with the home for over ten years.

Heather said she feels fortunate to work alongside such a committed team.

“We love to celebrate each and every one of our team members because they go above and beyond for our residents every single day,” she said.

“The fact they love their work is testament to the incredible team we have. It really is a family here and we’re proud that our long-standing team members are able to provide that continuity of care for our residents. They build close relationships not only with them but also with their friends, families and loved ones, who become part of our extended family too.”

Queen Elizabeth Park Care Home on Hallowes Close in Guildford offers residential, nursing, dementia and compassionate end-of-life care.