Every week, Kingston Nub News profiles businesses, community organisations and inspiring people in our area.

Today we caught up with Sonya Fenwick, general manager at Coombe Hill Manor Care Home, part of Signature Senior Living.

Sonya has won awards for her management of the home on Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, where she has worked for 6 years.

In the interview below we learn more about her experiences in the care sector, how she steered Coombe Hill Manor through the pandemic, and what she loves most about her job.

Sonya's early career in care - from South Africa to Kingston

"Growing up in a family of 3 nurses I naturally followed in my family's footsteps.

"Qualifying in South Africa as a nurse, doing four years integrated Nursing Course at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town.

"Eventually feeling a jack of all trades, qualified in General, Midwifery, Psychiatry and Community Healthcare, only 21, seeking broader knowledge I specialised an additional year in Mental Health.

"After Stikland Hospital, I travelled throughout Europe working in Switzerland, Greece and Israel where I met my husband Michael.

"We travelled together spending six months of the year in England allowing me to keep Nursing skills updated working privately, in various hospitals.

"Once married we settled in London and have 3 boys Chase, Kai and Ross.

"Working for one of Bupa's biggest Nursing homes for 15 years, as Nurse, Clinical Service Manager, Training Co-ordinator and latterly, Deputy Manager.

"I studied Dementia at Kingston University, completing the Dementing Illnesses ENB11 course in 2000. In 2004 I gained my Mentorship CPD 3008 qualifications at City University.

Reaching new heights at Coombe Hill Manor

"I joined Signature at Coombe Hill Manor on 14th of April 2015 as Care Services Manager. I am passionate about resident care, ensuring high standards are reached and maintained.

"Every person in our community has a voice, we support their choices, respect their dignity providing the

support they need to start new lives at Coombe.

"I also completed Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in General Adult Social care including Managing Personal and Professional Development (2018).

"I facilitated Coombe's entry into the Gold Standards Framework for End of Life care in care homes and was proud to achieve Beacon status, the highest accolade awarded to homes - we still hold this Award.

"In November 2018 Coombe was rated by CQC as an Outstanding Care Home, another source of pride as teams work together building trusted and caring relationships.

"Appointed General Manager in June 2016, with a great team, we are here for residents, providing peace of mind to families. Working with residents, making memories, always looking for 'what else can we do' moments.

"In 2019 I won Registered Manager of the Year in The Surrey Care Awards, and could not have done this without support of staff, residents and families.

The impact of the pandemic

"Covid 19 has pushed the whole country into a crisis and we felt additional pressures applied to those working in care homes.

"Forced to trust unchartered guidelines and believe in untested processes, what held us together is the trust we have for each other.

"Ten months after it started, I feel we are much stronger.

"Sometimes someone wobbles, however we support each other, having open and frank conversations with staff, residents and families.

"At times restrictions we follow can appear harsh, however we believe they protect residents, staff and families.

"Regular testing, strict cleaning processes and reinforcing social distancing in our home has become routine.

"We have implemented different ways, to keep residents connected with their families like Teams, Zoom and KOMP devices.

"Opening Coombe again to visitors was amazing, however our fight against the virus continues, and we do not anticipate any immediate return to 'normal life'.

"The safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff must remain our first priority."

Sonya's favourite things about her job

"I love working with the residents, helping staff provide care and helping residents solve problems.

"Providing good care for residents and staff fulfils my day.

"I enjoy discussions with residents on many subjects, allotments, gardening, or how to make builder's tea.

"Keeping me grounded is my family and dog Ragamuffin, who pre-Covid was the unofficial mascot of Coombe bringing many happy moments to residents in our Dementia community and having firm favourites in the residential community."

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