Since joining Parkfield House Nursing Home in 2023, Chrissie Phelps has quickly established herself as an indispensable part of the team.
As the home’s administrator, Chrissie is both the backbone of the office and a trusted support for home manager Glendeen Quow as well as for residents, families and colleagues. Her exceptional dedication and multi-faceted contribution earned her a nomination for the Ancillary Worker Award at this year’s Great British Care Awards.
Chrissie’s role is a busy and demanding one. She does everything from managing invoices and petty cash to handling recruitment agencies and responding to queries from relatives, professional visitors and suppliers. Alongside administration assistant Elaine Mayaski, Chrissie serves as the first point of contact for visitors, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
Glendeen readily praises Chrissie’s efficiency and proactive nature, saying: “Chrissie is incredibly articulate and organised, getting things done really quickly. She anticipates too, doing things before I even ask her!”
One of Chrissie most important duties is to conduct show-arounds for prospective residents and their families. Her approachable and upbeat demeanor shines brightly during these tours, leaving visitors with a positive and lasting impression of the home. Feedback frequently highlights how her warmth and enthusiasm put people at ease, building confidence in the care provided here at Parkfield.
“Even if visitors are in a bad mood or prospective residents have doubts about the home, Chrissie is so positive that they forget their pains, bad moods or doubts,” shares Glendeen.
She also goes the extra mile for residents, accompanying them to dental appointments and volunteering for weekend outings. Her background as a pre-school assistant and ambulance worker has shaped her ability to connect with people of all ages and needs, equipping her with the skills and compassion to support residents in meaningful ways.
Chrissie’s approachable nature and problem-solving abilities really have made her a go-to person for residents and their families. Glendeen remarks: “Whenever they have a question, they go to her first, saying, ‘Chrissie will know the answer.’ And she usually does!”
She has also stepped in to handle DIY tasks, for example, and her adaptability and willingness to help wherever needed clearly demonstrate her commitment to the smooth running of the home.
In addition to her many responsibilities, Chrissie is studying for a Level 3 qualification in administration, furthering her skills and knowledge to better serve the home. With her tireless efforts and genuine concern for others, Chrissie truly embodies the spirit of excellence in care and is a much-loved member of the Parkfield family.