North London Homecare & Support Ltd celebrates 50 years of caring for Older and Vulnerable Adults living in Enfield and Essex. We are registered with the CQC as a Domiciliary Care Provider to provide regulated services. Our last CQC inspections were in April and July 2016 and both our branches are rated as good.

The Founder of North London Nursing Agency was Mr George Hardy who in 1967, established the business in Palmers Green. A nurse himself, he recruited Nurses to work in Hospitals, Residential Homes and for Private Patients on an Agency basis. The business was run from his home. 

In 1988 Mr Hardy’s retirement called and he discussed this with the current Manging Director’s late Father in Law, Kirk McBride, who at the time was also retiring from his role as the Superintendent of Whitewebbs Old Peoples home, in Enfield.

Kirk was interested in buying the business as a retirement project that would keep him active, Susan his wife was less convinced. Despite this, Susan and Kirk McBride both registered nurses, became the proprietors of the business in February 1989

During Kirks reign, Care in the Community evolved and the many Council run homes closed. Homecare services grew. Kirk secured the first Council contract the company had with Enfield Council to provide Homecare services.

Sadly, in 1996 Kirk suddenly passed away, then his Daughter in Law Catherine McBride, a registered nurse herself, was able to meet the registration requirements to maintain the Nursing Agency license and offered to step in, whilst Susan decided the future.

The services in the Enfield community grew and nursing placements became a thing of the past. We de- registered as a Nursing Agency and in 1999 the second branch in Harlow opened. Harlow Branch is congratulated on its 18th Birthday this year.

In March 2003, North London Homecare and Support ltd was incorporated. Catherine McBride and Mary Basquil became Directors. 

During the years, many changes have been experienced. IT, has bought us into the modern age but this took some time. We now have a software system that supports us in these duties; however the challenges we currently face with increased legislation, regulatory requirements and funding restrictions are probably the biggest we have ever faced.

Through all changes, we have always strived to maintain our reputation as a high-quality care provider.

To celebrate our 50th Birthday we decided that we wanted to acknowledge and recognise those who have worked with us over the years and who’ve helped to establish and maintain the high standard of care North London Homecare and Support, is known to provide. A Party for the staff, in a marquee in the grounds of Whitewebbs was organised and attended by existing and old staff on 8th September 2017.

Over the years, we have worked with so many hard working, committed, caring people. We recognise that NLHS are as good as those who work for us and thank all of you who do and have done so. When looking over our current active staffing list and the length of their service we can count up a total 613 years’ service.

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The company and its staff team values remain strong as does the pride for caring for people as we would our own family members; each person receiving our services takes a place within NLHS’s extended family. We have experience of providing services to a wide range of needs and of differing ages, from young adults up to our Centurions being Minnie who is 101 years young and was born on 29th Feb 1916. Minnie loves a party. Olive too, is 101 years young, born on the 21st May 1916.

 

Often, we care for people for many years and they become part of the North London family. When they pass away we all feel the loss. Often families want to say Thank you and show their appreciation by gifting the Company and care staff. Obviously our professional boundaries restrict this.

 

However, over recent months two families have asked how they can show their appreciation in any other way.

 

This year two, staff recognition awards have been introduced, being: 

 

The Rodney Price Award – for Harlow Staff and 

 

The Joyce Saunders Award - for Enfield Staff.

 

These awards will run annually and staff will be asked over the year, to nominate their colleagues for any excellent practise or extra special kindness observed during the course of their duties. Nominations will be reviewed and awarded to the most recognised colleague in each branch.

 

The Rodney Price Award

Russell and his family, were very dear friends to Rodney, who we supported from December 2006 until he passed away in January of this year, agreed that Rodney should fund this award as an expression of Rodney’s admiration of his care staff and recognition of the all that they do and did for Rodney.

 

Rodney had a passion for animals and especially birds and in our early days supporting him, Carers describe having to dodge ducks, rabbits, parrots and any other pet he chose to share his home with.  A west Ham supporter and Only Fools and Horses fan. He loved the singer Charlie Pride.

 

Towards the end of Rodney’s life we were visiting him 4 times a day and although he was restricted by his mobility he looked forward to the Carers coming and often had a story about his colourful past. He was a member of the North London Family.

 

The Rodney Price Award 2017 is awarded to Sue Mbiangandu. Her colleagues describe Sue as a lovely out going lady, who goes the extra mile for her Service Users and Colleagues. She is a huge reason why others do this job, she showed new colleagues the right way and has been a huge influence on them.  She is a Diamond!

 

The Joyce Saunders Award –

 

Joyce was born in 1922, Mother to Matthew and Caroline.  She had a love for the Country and enjoyed walking in there with others and leading the way. She was a Primary School Teacher who worked for some time at Caterhatch School.

 

Joyce was known by many children in Enfield as Aunty Joyce, she organised many children’s community events.  She wanted Children to live Happy lives. She had a passion for singing and her Family and Friends were very important to her.

 

We visited Joyce from December 2014 until March 2016 when she sadly passed away. Her son Matthew asked we thank all those who cared for his Mother but that there was one particular carer that he had observed, his Mother had a very special bond with. Scrabble and singing often extended the care calls. Joyce’s family agreed that their Mothers Award for the first year be awarded to Olena Andrews. 

 

We look forward to the next 50 years of progressing further to provide Care at Home Services, locally.