County Derry care worker picks up top award for her dedication

A carer from County Derry has won a top award at the recent Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI) Home Care awards.

Louise Bell, who works for Connected Health, Limavady has been named as Scheduler of the Year.

The Feeny native was announced as the winner at an awards event in The Alex Hotel, Dublin on October 13.

The HCCI Scheduler of the Year award recognises an outstanding member of staff who is indispensable to the scheduling/coordination of carers and clients.  The winning nominee ensures a smooth and pleasant work environment while supporting the best possible service for clients.

A panel of independent judges – TV presenter and designer, Brendan Courtney; Professor Mark White, Executive Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, RCSI; Katie Sloan, CEO, Leading Age, USA; Janette Dwyer, Assistant National Director, Services for Older People Change and Innovation, HSE and Valerie Cox, journalist and author chose Louise as the winner.

While working as a carer Louise contracted Covid and had to be hospitalised and unfortunately, has some long-term health affects as a result. But that didn’t stop Louise working in home care. She retrained to work as a scheduler so she can continue to make a difference to people who want to stay living in their own homes.

Dermot Clancy, CEO, OneTouch said: “In the world of caregiving, where the needs of clients are of paramount importance, effective scheduling and coordination are vital to ensure the provision of the best possible care. Congratulations to Louise on winning the Scheduler of the Year 2023.”

Keith Gill, Director of Health Care Insurance, First Ireland said: “We are delighted to support the HCCI Home Care awards. HCCI members and their teams of carers, schedulers, managers, HRs and nurses give so much to their clients and communities. They wholeheartedly deserve this recognition. Congratulations to all nominees and award winners and thank you for all you have done. We wish HCCI members and their teams all the best in the coming months.”

Joseph Musgrave, CEO, HCCI which is the representative body for home care providers and advocates for home care services to be made available to all on a statutory basis, said: “We are very lucky to have people like Louise working in homecare. Her dedication and commitment make a huge difference to colleagues and clients. Sincere congratulations to Louise on her win.”

Musgrave continued, “I would like to sincerely thank our event sponsor First Ireland whose support made this ceremony possible, as well as Spry Finance, The HR Company, One Touch, Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet and RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery for their sponsorship of individual awards. We are also very grateful to our independent judges for their time and expertise. And thank you to all our members who nominated colleagues for the awards.”