Ever since Hampton Care Home first opened in 2008, receptionist Margaret Ramsay has been the first person that everyone sees when they first walk through the door.
Her friendly greeting and cheerful demeanour have been instrumental in creating the warm welcome that the home is known for. Added to which, her pleasant attitude and ever-present smile, even in difficult circumstances, have earned her glowing feedback from everyone she encounters.
“She never fails to smile, even in stressful situations, and always goes above and beyond,” says home manager Justyna Kirihettige Don.
Margaret expertly gives tours to prospective residents and their families, skilfully showcasing Hampton’s facilities and creating confidence in the care provided. “Margaret gave my family the first tour of the home and created an excellent understanding of Hampton and its facilities. This helped to persuade us that Hampton was the right home for us,” shares one relative.
Her dedication is legendary, too – despite being in her late seventies, she works six days a week and has only ever had one sick day off, which proves that age is no barrier to excellence or reliability! She has quite literally become an indispensable part of the home’s fabric, which is why Justyna nominated her for the Ancillary Worker Award at the Great British Care Awards this year.
Working closely with Tracey Jansen, the home’s administrator, Margaret’s contribution extends beyond her role at the front desk. She consistently steps up to take the initiative in challenging situations. One New Year’s Eve, Margaret identified a potentially dangerous boiler room leak. She contacted the relevant engineers and stayed late to ensure that the situation was made safe, highlighting her vigilance and commitment to the home’s safety.
Families deeply value Margaret’s approachable nature and professionalism. Her ability to provide clarity, comfort, and reassurance helped many families navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, for example. “During this challenging time for the home and residents’ families, Margaret dealt with the situation in a very sympathetic manner whilst maintaining her professional standards,” says another relative.
Margaret is so much more than a receptionist – she is a confidante, ‘agony aunt’ and problem-solver who provides comfort and advice for residents and staff alike. Her proactive approach ensures that no task is left undone, while her support is invaluable across the home.
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