Joan Scott named nursing home star

A HARDWORKING care assistant was thanked for 20 years at the same nursing home by a surprise party and a host of presents.

Joan Scott started working at the Abcross Nursing Home in Brentwood Road, Romford two decades ago before it even opened and has stayed ever since. During her time there she has been a cleaner, domestic, cook and care nurse.

But yesterday (October 20), instead of doing a training course, Mrs Scott, 61, was treated to a surprise party with staff, guests and relatives.

She said: “I didn’t know anything about it, then they all were there, it was incredible. I’m overwhelmed to be honest.

“It doesn’t feel like 20 years. I like my job and I like the people, I love the residents. I just love caring really.”

Manager Helen Field said Mrs Scott, of Benhurst Avenue, Elm Park, worked “like a little horse”.

She’s hardly ever off sick and she’s not worked less than 40 hours a week all the time I’ve known her. We’ve only got one resident whose arthritis is worse than Joan’s. Nothing stops her working though.”

Mrs Scott received presents including three bush roses, an engraved gold watch, a �100 shopping voucher and a crate of red wine with personalised labels.

Ms Field bought her two of the rose bushes: “One was called lucky, because we’re lucky to have her and the other was called gold, because she’s worth her weight in gold,” she said.