Rachel is “an absolute rock” say colleagues

Having spent 25 years with Pilgrims’ Friend Society, Rachel Fishburne brings a wealth of experience to the role of Care Manager at Finborough Court. We spoke to some of her colleagues about how she has guided the home over the years, including through the difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the children of staff at Finborough Court, Great Finborough, each received a special letter. The letter came from Rachel Fishburne, Care Manager at the home, and thanked them for letting their parents work such long, hard hours, even though they must be missing them very much.

“It was a huge boost to morale and helped everyone feel positive and valued,” says Jonathan Dorrington, Business Manager at the home. “Rachel is an extremely caring person and the fact that she took the time to write these letters speaks volumes about her concern for our staff and their families.”

As another thoughtful gesture, Rachel, together with her husband, spent many evenings making bags for each staff member to put their clothes in to wash after each shift. This helped everyone stay safe, both at the care home and back at their own homes.

Rachel has been part of the team at Finborough Court for 25 years, having taken on a variety of roles including Day Carer, Night Carer, Kitchen Assistant, senior care team positions, and now the role of Care Manager. The wealth of experience she brings has been invaluable during the challenging times of the pandemic.

“At Finborough Court, we see ourselves as one big family. That’s definitely something that Rachel pushes from the top,” says Jonathan. “Throughout the pandemic she has been an absolute rock. She’s helped us pull together and focus on the needs of our family members.”

Knowing that family members may be missing their loved ones, Rachel encourages carers to spend as much time as possible talking to them. And she always makes time to talk to residents herself.

“The way she is with our family members is lovely,” says Jonathan. “Whenever she talks to them she is fully invested. No matter how busy a day she’s having, she won’t let other concerns distract her. If someone needs something, she’ll make sure it gets sorted there and then.”

As well as facilitating visits for one regular visitor in line with Government guidelines, Rachel ensures family members can connect to loved ones through video calls or by sending cards.

To our wider staff team, she’s been a huge support. Jane Trimarco, Operations Manager, says, “Rachel and I spent many a Saturday and Sunday evening on the phone, sharing ideas and gathering information. We became very close and I cannot thank Rachel enough for her sterling work during this very stressful period. She truly went the extra mile and was there through and through!”

Heather Cullum works alongside Rachel as Administrator at Finborough Court. She says, “Rachel’s many years working in care have her a very solid background and knowledge – in her 25 years at Pilgrims’ Friend Society there isn’t much in care that she hasn’t seen, done, and got the T-shirt for! She is loyal, caring, devoted and hard-working, often staying late to get work completed, and she is very organised in her approach.”

As a committed Christian, Rachel’s faith has helped to see her through good times and bad times. It has also prompted her to go the extra mile to support the wellbeing of family members. Heather says, “In the past she has brought along a family member to her own church as they attended the church prior to coming to Finborough Court. It goes to show that her devotion to her role goes beyond the 9 to 5 office hours.”

Reflecting on her passion for care, Rachel herself says, “It’s the desire to help other people that drives me. I love the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having made a difference to somebody’s day.”

Read our interview with Rachel about her 25 years with us