This MBE is for my amazing team, says chief of First City Nursing

First City Nursing’s managing director says the MBE for services to domiciliary care that he received from Anne, Princess Royal at Windsor Castle today (5 April) belongs to all his colleagues at his health and social care service organisation.

MD Stephen Trowbridge says his colleagues at First City Nursing & Care, which provides support workers and carers to individuals within the community across Swindon, have been recognised for the selfless service they demonstrated throughout the pandemic.

“I may have been the person to go and pick up the MBE, but it’s actually an official acknowledgement of how well the entire First City team helped support, our customers, staff, the NHS and other local care providers during the pandemic so that patients could remain at home, wherever possible,” said Stephen.

“Home care companies like ours deliver the crucial professional care in people’s own homes that enables individuals to remain in their own home for longer. We assist hospitals to discharge patients into a safe and familiar environment without delay. The past two years during the pandemic have been extremely challenging and continues to be so. However, our staff team have battled Covid day in day out, keeping all our customers safe, while providing an essential lifeline to many.

“I’m so proud that they all work tirelessly to make sure the people they visit are getting the best care possible. If it wasn’t for them going over and above and being so flexible, the honour would never have happened. They are a very reliable, friendly and honest team, and also genuinely care about each person they are supporting.  When I was presented with the MBE I had such a lump in my throat, because it showed their dedication and value has been recognised and appreciated at a national level.

“I thank all our staff, past and present, for the contribution and sacrifice they made, during the past few years.  I am currently having our own First City Medals made to truly thank our workforce past and present for working in Covid and making a difference to so many. I also want to thank Swindon Borough Council, the NHS and all our partners in care, for trusting us with this crucial work.”

Stephen said that his hope in the future is that central government can progress the long overdue strategy for social care, particularly as demand continues to rise.

“At a local level everyone is working hard to deliver great care, but it could be even better if we were able to plan longer term, additional funding so that we can invest in our workforce, being able to pay a more competitive wage to reflect the skills of our amazing staff.

“With the demands on the service, and so many customers needing care, we are constantly recruiting people with the skills and caring values that makes our team what it is. We have roles for full time, part time and bank staff, so I’d encourage anyone who shares our values to consider working for us.”

To find out more about working for First City Nursing, go to https://www.jobsincare.org/