Larbert care home manager named as finalist in Scottish awards

Julie Johnstone, who runs Glenbervie Care Home, was nominated by her fellow employees for the management and leadership category.

She has now been selected as a finalist in recognition of her “high standards”, with the winners due to be announced online on January 22 by Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care.

Ms Johnstone, who has worked at the facility since it opened in December 2016, said: “I didn’t know anything was going on.

“The staff and some relatives have done this - I was oblivious to it all!

“I was obviously over the moon – surprised, but over the moon. I’m absolutely ecstatic.”

Glenbervie Care Home is owned and operated by Avondale Care (Scotland) Ltd.

Graeme Hendry, director, said: “Julie is an excellent manager who sets high standards and works with her staff to achieve these standards.

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“She takes the time to understand the needs and desires of her residents and leads staff to deliver the person-centred care she believes every resident deserves. Staff find her very approachable and have a high level of respect for her.

“Julie has managed very well the considerable extra pressure the Covid pandemic has brought. Scottish Care estimate that the Covid pandemic has meant an extra 40 daily tasks for management of care homes and Julie has taken this in her stride.

“All staff at Glenbervie have done an amazing job to keep the residents safe and as happy as possible.”

Fellow Falkirk district facility Carrondale Care Home has been nominated for Care Home Service of the Year.

Discussing Carrondale’s nomination, Mr Hendry told The Falkirk Herald: “The management and staff were absolutely delighted when I told them.

“They’ve worked so hard. It’s doubly hard working in a care home these days, trying to deliver a high quality of care but you’ve also got coronavirus to worry about.

“It’s because of the great management and staff that we got nominated. Hopefully we win it this time. It would mean so much to the staff.”

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