Sam Gallagher, award winning home manager of Brandon Park Nursing Home, Brandon, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to social care during COVID-19 in the delayed Queen’s birthday honours list.
Sam, also a registered nurse, is honoured among an incredible list of around 450 nominees who have been put forward specifically for their contribution to the Coronavirus response, and as ‘exemplars of the wide range and exceptional community and front-line
service given across the country in recent months’.
The recognition comes after a challenging year for Brandon Park, which cared for a number of residents with Coronavirus. Sam was described by her own team as ‘a tower of strength’ and ‘heroic leader’ during the first wave of the pandemic, as she worked night and day to support her elderly residents and her staff, and her hard work has now ensured the home has seen no infections for five months.
Sam, who is also the recipient of the Registered Manager of the Year award in 2019 in the Leaders in Care Awards, has led Brandon Park to achieve two ‘Outstanding’ ratings from the Care Quality Commission – the highest accolade for a care home – and the home is known for its ‘holistic care, empathy and humanity’, in the words of a local GP who supports the home.
Sam Gallagher said of her honours recognition: “I am very grateful to be recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and delighted that the work of Brandon Park has been acknowledged. My team at Brandon Park is phenomenal, and it is hard to describe the passion we have for our residents. This award is not just for me, but an award that recognises my whole team for the wonderful way they have coped during some challenging months”
Ruth French, Director of Stow Healthcare, which owns Brandon Park said: “Sam is absolutely deserving of this honour, of which she can be justly proud. Sam’s residents have always been front and centre of Brandon Park, and, whilst we are still managing the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic, this award will bring not just Sam, but the whole of Brandon Park some very well deserved joy after a tough year.”
Rt Hon Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said: “I am delighted that Sam Gallagher has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Her dedication to the staff and residents at Brandon Park Nursing Home is to be commended, especially during a very difficult time dealing with the pandemic. I am so pleased that her efforts have been recognised, this is a wonderful achievement.”
Martin Green, OBE, CEO of Care England said: “I am delighted that Sam Gallagher has been honoured by the Queen for the work that she and her team have done to support the residents at Brandon Park Nursing Home. This honour is just recognition for the outstanding professionalism and commitment that Sam has shown during the COVID-19 crisis, and indeed, throughout her distinguished career”
