Great British Care Awards 2021 - Winner

Bluebird Care Birmingham East & North’s Director and Head of Operations, Sue Manickam, has been named as winner for ‘The Care Innovator Award’ at this year’s Great British Care Awards.

Bluebird Care Birmingham East & North Director In Prestigious Award Success

Bluebird Care Birmingham East & North’s Director and Head of Operations, Sue Manickam, has been named as winner for ‘The Care Innovator Award’ at this year’s Great British Care Awards.

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK that celebrates brilliance across the care sector. Paying tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field, the awards are highly sort after by all in the industry.

And on this occasion, Sue Manickam at Bluebird Care Birmingham East & North has been named triumphant for ‘The Care Innovator Award’ category on 30^th October at the ICC Birmingham.

Sue’s award win is a testament to her exceptional entrepreneurial and innovative skill which she has demonstrated through implementing various new strategies. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bluebird Care Birmingham East & North have continued to go from strength-to-strength, and a major contributor to their remarkable success has been Sue Manickam.

As a core member of the management team at the home care provider, Sue has introduced several new initiatives which have made a big difference.

For example, ‘Memory Lane’ focused on unearthing and refreshing the nostalgic memories of customers. Implemented across the business, it helped create stronger relationships between many Care Assistants and their customers. From outdoor activities to hair and nail care, this initiative epitomises the person-centred care which Sue strives to deliver.

Sue also introduced Bright HR, a system that streamlines team member rotas, leave and sicknesses, all in one place and has resulted in less office travel time for many.

As well as this, Sue played a big part in the creation of a Care Worker late/missed visit record tracker for their office team. This has been extremely beneficial and helped ensure the home care provider has continued to deliver exceptional care and support to their customers in a timely manner.

Nevertheless, it was ultimately those small, but vital, steps taken that played a big part to Sue’s award success. During one of the most difficult periods for many within the care sector, Sue made sure every team member felt valued. From regular health and wellbeing check-ups, to bonding sessions that strengthened the relationship between all, Sue has been instrumental across Bluebird Care Birmingham East & North.

Reflecting on her award success, Sue Manickam said:

"I feel really honoured to receive such a great prestigious Great British Care Award under the Care Innovator Award category. My sincere thanks to GBCA and the judging panels who recognized and chosen me for this category and I feel motivated and excited to do more for our customers and staff we look after.

“It’s a “dream come true moment for me” when I look back how I felt when I left my home alone in 2006 to do higher studies in UK. I have been always loved and to be in healthcare industry and has great passion towards care which made me to put all my dedication; knowledge; hard work and commitment towards to it. It’s been very hard journey to keep my families, friends, and the home environment aside to concentrate on my passion and the work what I have chosen to do; however, this award makes to think I have done something to make difference in some people’s life within the community.

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank all our fantastic customers; staff; Bluebird care Team who supported me and helped me to get this Award. Thank you all so much."